ON THE GROUND
in length. “This is why we proposed a
multi-axle crane with the ability to steer
and negotiate tight corners with ease,”
Smith reveals.
To protect the gravel road and the
crane, a bulldozer was positioned
in front of the 96t crane to assist in
removing the crane from the riverbed.
This provided extra pulling power, and
ensured a safe exit, with no damage to
equipment, roads, or infrastructure.
A challenge that was always
looming was the possibility of a flash
flood in the Fish River. “Anytime
it rained up north, water would
suddenly come pouring down. This is
not a dam with sluice gates. It fills up
and overflows, and therefore, having a
crane on the riverbed on the dam side
was a huge risk. The crane requires
dismantling, extra extensions, removal
of the booms and counterweights,
and for the outriggers to be put
back on all before it can be driven
away,” Smith highlights. According
to the required specification, crane
assembly takes two days, with a day
to dismantle it.
“We checked the weather forecasts
constantly for any storm warnings from
up north. Fortunately, we had no issues
whatsoever, but we were extremely
limited when it came to backup plans,”
states Smith. “Backup plans were
restricted to ensuring the safety of the
of being able to remove the crane in
the event of a flash flood. We planned
to shut down the crane safely (engine
and electronic systems) and then you
just hope for the best. The build of the
operators. We really had no chance
To protect the gravel road and the crane, a bulldozer was positioned in front of the 96t crane to
assist in removing the crane from the riverbed.
crane is too complicated and moving it
would take very long (two days) — and adds. He concludes that, on the back the project without any hiccups
there is no way in which the crane can of its successful work here, Concord or delays. “The fact that we got
be moved without removing all the Namibia is well poised to follow Salini everything correct the first time was
accessories. The only thing we knew Impregilo elsewhere into Africa should our proudest moment, as this was a
for sure was that the crane would not they secure any more dam projects. testament to the extensive planning
float!” says Smith.
Smith is extremely proud of the fact
and preparation undertaken by the
that the team at Concord Namibia, team. It was this outcome that secured
privileged to have been a part of this under the leadership of crane manager us additional work on the project,”
massive infrastructure project,” Smith Johann Greeff, was able to complete Smith concludes. ■
“At the end of the day, we felt
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