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Project
New pumps. Another significant challenge stemmed from inadequate documentation provided at the project ' s outset.“ Drawings, essential for guiding modifications and installations, proved sorely lacking in detail and accuracy, prompting us to undertake extensive redrafting efforts. Throughout these challenges, intermittent power disruptions further compounded our efforts. While not a common occurrence in Luanda, these disruptions necessitated backup generators— a critical lifeline to maintain momentum in our operations amid ongoing technical and logistical complexities. Looking ahead, our timeline has seen adjustments, with phased occupancy now slated for early this year. We anticipate significant progress once awaited materials arrive, propelling us closer to our milestone of completing the plant rooms and facilitating initial move-ins by year ' s end.”
Originally planned as a phased approach with teams alternating, the reality on the ground has necessitated a different strategy. Both initial and subsequent teams have found themselves on site longer than anticipated, leading to a coordinated effort to manage rotations effectively. While some team members are eager to return home after extended stays since February, others must remain to maintain project continuity.
“ Once containers arrive, the pace of our work accelerates dramatically, allowing various teams— such as chiller specialists and electrical experts— to swiftly execute their tasks.
“ The building ' s future success hinges not only on its refurbishment but also on the local team ' s ability to maintain these sophisticated systems in the future. Part of our commitment involves imparting essential maintenance knowledge to local technicians. The lack of foundational maintenance practices observed during our initial assessments highlighted the critical need for training. Basic tasks such as monitoring equipment and addressing early warning signs were often overlooked within the previous system. While remote monitoring can handle certain aspects, such as control systems, the hands-on maintenance required for optimal performance necessitates local expertise.”
“ Therefore, we ' re working towards training local technicians to assume maintenance responsibilities post-project completion,” says Wallett. RACA
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RACA Journal I May 2025 www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za