Name of the project and location
Bay of Luanda project, Angola.

Project description
The first phase of the project involves the redevelopment of infrastructure along the Luanda Bay Marginal and Ilha de Luanda.

The main objective of the proposed Bay of Luanda project is to have a significantly positive impact on the central business district of Luanda by providing accessible open spaces, improving the environment and upgrading private and public transport infrastructure, while developing world-class commercial and residential accommodation.

The project proposes the following major components: an environmental clean-up of the bay, the reclamation of new public land and the upgrading and development of services along the Marginal, including a rebuilt road network and stormwater drainage system, and the creation and servicing of seven land parcels around the bay in order to provide space for private residential, retail and commercial type developments. This will include a private development that will consist of a high-rise office block, a residential apartment block, and a commercial/shopping centre.

Value
$2,5-billion.

The first phase of the project is expected to cost $120-million.

Duration
The project is expected to take three years to complete.

Breakdown of main contracts
The initial dredging contract to dredge an access channel and reclaim the first new development land was completed in November 2006.

The next contract will involve the removal of around 170 000 m3 of contaminated sediment from the seabed in a demarcated area of the bay and the dredging of circulation channels in the bay, as well as the reclamation of about 1,7-million cubic metres. A separate contract for the cleaning and repairs to some three kilometres of sewage pipes along the Marginal is currently being negotiated. A land-based main contract will go out to tender at the end of March 2007 and will involve the construction of three kilometres of coastal edge protection, three kilometres of dual carriageway, piled foundations, a new split-level interchange, substantial stormwater drainage structures, parking areas, accommodation of traffic during construction, provision of standby power-generation facilities, electrical reticulation, street lighting, traffic signals, lighting of public areas and sleeve installations for future services.

Client
Luanda Waterfront Corporation.

Latest developments
None stated.

Participants
Coastal & Environmental Services (environmental studies), Vela VKE (project lead consulting engineer), and Prestedge Retief Dresner & Wijnberg (marine engineers).

Construction materials
Minimal.

On budget and on time?
Not stated.

Contact details for project information
Vela VKE, Tom Marshall, tel (011) 369 0800, fax (011) 886 4589 or email marshallt@velavke.co.za .