Porto da Praia expansion and modernisation project, Cape Verde

20th May 2011 By: Lindiwe Molekoa

Name and Location
Porto da Praia expansion and modernisation project, Praia, Cape Verde.

Project Description
The project involves the expansion and modernisation of the existing Port of Praia, the principal port on the island nation.

The first phase of the project consisted of the reconstruction of quay 2, the construction of the Cargo Village, the container storage area and the highway between quay 2 and Beach Circular road.

The second phase entails the refurbishment of the quay 1 over an extension of 233 m, building of a protective breakwater, dredging of the seabed to a datum level of –12 to allow for sea vessels to dock, and construction of a container yard in a maritime landfill area, in addition to the associated complex and its access roads, infrastructure and control buildings.

Other buildings being developed at the port include two warehouses (for industrial purposes); workshops and reception areas (for operational purposes); a building for operators, customs officials and agencies (for operational purposes) and a canteen (for social requirements).

The initiative to modernise and expand the port is aimed to equip the facility with capacity to handle some two-million tons of goods by 2030.

Value
With a total contractual value of $42-million, the first phase was financed by the Millennium Challenge Account. The second phase of the project is valued at €72-million. The buildings forming part of the project are valued at €11,6-million.

Duration
The first phase was completed in September 2010.

Construction of the second phase started immediately thereafter and is expected to be completed in February 2013.

Client
The government of Cape Verde.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
Somague/MSF Construction/ Etermar Engenharia e Construção consortium (construction) and Millennium Challenge Account (funding for first phase).

Latest Developments
None stated.

On Budget and on Time?
The project is in progress.

Contact Details for Project Information
Somague, tel +351 21 910 4000, fax +351 21 910 4001 or email somague@somague.pt.
MSF Construction, tel +351 21 721 5300, fax +351 21 721 3599 or email contactos.msf@msf.pt.
Etermar Engenharia e Construção, tel +351 26 570 0800, fax +351 26 523 2399 or email correio@etermar.pt.