Navigating complex funding models
International Financial Institutions (IFIs) play a crucial role in expediting infrastructure projects in remote rural communities in Africa. With many governments grappling debt stress, IFIs offer financial assistance in the form of loans and grants as well as criteria to develop capacity and knowledge in local communities and institutions.
SMEC has collaborated with many IFI’s operating in Africa, providing technical expertise and guidance throughout the project lifecycle. Combining global best practice with local knowledge helps ensure projects are well-structured, sustainable, locally situated and delivered in accordance with international standards.
SMEC has offices across the continent, with core teams of project management professionals, who take pride in building capabilities across local institutions and communities, so they can manage and maintain new infrastructure assets. Understanding nuances in local culture and tradition is key to developing meaningful advocacy.
Experience from the field
We invited three of our colleagues based in our Africa operationoffers, to their insights into how practicality and simplicity in engineering can facilitate infrastructure development in some of the most remote and challenging environments. By adopting context-specific approaches and prioritising community engagement, they have helped to oversee the implementation of sustainable infrastructure that truly benefits rural communities in Africa.
- Nyamugasani Water Supply and Sanitation Project, Uganda
In remote hillsides of Uganda, considered technology selection and strong community engagement have proved vital elements in simplifying complexity and delivering infrastructure that positively impacts the communities in which it’s situated.
The Nyamugasani Water Supply and Sanitation Project, Uganda sets out to improve water supply across eight sub counties in Kasese district, whilst promoting healthy hygiene practices. This project will directly benefit an estimated population of 122,746.
“In the hilly, densely vegetated terrain gravity-fed systems, rather than energy-intensive pumps, will provide reliable, low-maintenance water supply to these communities. This approach recognizes that the most effective solutions do not need to be complex. It prioritises technologies that are easy to understand, maintain, and repair,” said Civil Engineer, Edwin Kiplagat.
An equally important aspect of this project has been to design the water and sanitation systems in a way that builds a sense of ownership whilst ensuring the solutions are culturally appropriate and easy to maintain. Some of the expected outcomes include locating water and sanitation points closer to homes, schools, and health facilities, whilst providing separate facilities for women and girls.
“As part of implementing the Resettlement Action Plan and Environmental and Social Management Plans, SMEC aims to engage community members to understand gender roles and inequalities in relation to water and sanitation. One aspect of this strategy is to enable women take on leadership roles in managing and maintaining water and sanitation infrastructure.”
Edwin added, “As part of the wider sanitation improvement program SMEC has developed a detailed sanitation design manual to inform sizing of pipes and septic tanks for 18 new water-borne toilets in schools, health facilities, and public places.”
- Ha Mpiti to Sehlabathebe road, Lesotho
For the Ha Mpiti to Sehlabathebe road in Lesotho, understanding local environmental factors, such as harsh weather conditions, allowed for a tailored approach not only to the design of the required infrastructure, but also to the planning and preparation for project delivery. Rob Archibald was assigned as SMEC project manager for the duration of the project.
“Rugged terrain, limited road access, and variable weather conditions required intricate planning for the procurement and transportation of materials and equipment. During construction two site camps were established, to provide accommodation, offices and lab testing facilities. The camp at 58 kilometres relied on a combination of solar power and diesel generators as there was no access to grid power supply. Incorporating local knowledge of terrain and weather patterns during the planning and design phase ensured the construction program could respond to the specific environmental challenges.”
Contract administration was supported from the Durban office, a 6-hour drive away. The SMEC site supervision team included four expatriate personnel from South Africa, one Zimbabwean and fourteen Basotho (Lesotho nationals). In addition, six survey assistants, two data capturers and twenty laboratory testing personnel were hired meaning that Basotho made up 90% of the supervision team. Site personnel were given a four-day long weekend at the end of each month, along with personal use of site vehicles, which enabled workers to visit their families.
“The pavement design itself was also tailored by our understanding of the local environment and was adapted to resist the effect of freeze-thaw cycles and frost heave. Using the Lesotho pavement design guidelines, the depth of frost penetration was estimated, and frost resistant materials were specified for layers anticipated to be affected by frost penetration. The base layer was specified as a bitumen stabilised crushed stone material where the presence of bitumen makes the layer more resistant to water ingress.”
Rob added, “During the project we identified ways to enhance local community amenity. SMEC was involved with the construction of two new sports fields for local communities. We also supported upgrades to several local roads and driveways such as the Ramatsaliso International Border Post, the gravel road to the St Francis mission clinic, close the site camp at km 15 and two driveways at the Sehlabathebe National Park. SMEC team members also arranged to donate school shoes to a local primary school and undertook road safety training for school children.”
The all-weather surface of Ha Mpiti to Sehlabathebe now enables 12 villages to have year-round access to health facilities and amenities found in the Qachas Nek commercial district.
- Gakenke and Muhanga, Rural Energy Access Program, Rwanda
Reflecting on SMEC’s role on the rural energy access program Function Manager, Power and Energy – Africa, Munesu Dizamuhupe said, “Engagement with local landowners was critical in access negotiations and gaining permission to position infrastructure on local’s farmland. Having people on the ground was very important in assessing site conditions and verifying site boundaries. By engaging with landowners directly we could establish a rapport to assist in negotiations.”
The project scope included the construction of approximately 174km of medium voltage and 575km of low voltage lines to connect 24,013 households. Rwanda’s steep terrain, particularly in regions like Gakenke and Muhanga, posed logistical challenges for the transportation and storage of materials and equipment. Detailed pre-construction surveys were undertaken to identify optimal routes and anticipate access issues. The contractor employed local labourers to help prepare foundations for the poles. In these instances, SMEC monitored sites to ensure adherence to health and safety protocols.
“Expanding energy access to remote areas often requires a decentralized approach. At Gakenke and Muhanga power is supplied by nearby micro-hydro stations such as Nyabarongo 40MW HPP. SMEC worked with the Tunisian contractor to plan the critical path whilst devising a systems approach to managing the safe and efficient storage of key materials such as telegraph poles and transformers. Through meticulous design review and on-site supervision, SMEC was able to streamline the project, reducing unnecessary material use and optimizing infrastructure placement.”
Overall, the Gakenke and Muhanga Rural Energy Access Program has contributed to significant improvements in energy access and quality of life for rural communities in Rwanda. In Gakenke the community has achieved near universal energy access, leading to an increase in the number of businesses (small shops, bakeries, and workshops), indicating the positive implications for economic development as well as education and health facilities.
A path for sustainable development
The path to sustainable development in rural Africa is founded on practical, community-centric solutions. Key takeaways from the team include:
- Appropriate Technology: Choosing appropriate technologies that are robust, and locally maintainable is essential.
- Community Participation: Involving communities across the consultation, design and implementation stages builds ownership and ensures solutions are contextually relevant.
- Local Resources: Leveraging local materials and labour can upskill communities, reduce logistical challenges, and boost rural economies.
- Practical Engineering: Finding creative, bespoke solutions to address the unique challenges of each project is key. By embracing practical solutions, leveraging local resources, and empowering communities, we can build infrastructure that truly serves the needs of those it is intended for.
Through pro-active engagement SMEC has advocated for the needs of the community, working in partnership to deliver long term sustainable infrastructure, proudly playing a part in contributing to more equitable outcomes.
