As part of the master trans-frontier plan with Namibia to supply safe drinking water to underprivileged communities in the Cunene province, Marley Infrastructure was awarded a US$15 million contract in Angola by Spanish company UTE Befesa-Riogersa.

The project consisted of the construction of a water treatment facility at Xangongo, so that water can be extracted from the Cunene River and treated, and then pumped along a 100km pipeline to Xangongo, Mongua and Ondjiva. For the project, Marley supplied over 98km of 630mm PN6 HDPE pipes as well as about 2km of 630 mm PN10 HDPE pipe – marking one of Marley’s largest contributions to a single project.

The project, however, was not without its challenges. In addition to chief negotiations held by Marley MD, Louis Albertyn, and his team to assess the critical factors and risks that the project would present, Marley’s pipes were also stringently tested for Quality Control to evaluate the most suitable pipe supplier according to the exacting requirements of the client. Marley came out on top with their range of HDPE pipes which are SAPPMA-endorsed and manufactured according to sound quality standards, carrying the SABS mark for SANS ISO 4427.

Logistically, transporting 16 trailers carrying 16 x 15m length HDPE pipes each to Angola was no easy feat, and Marley partnered with WP Transport to ensure their safe passage, taking into consideration proper crating and stacking methods to ensure minimal roll during transportation.

The biggest challenge, however, occurred once the pipes had actually reached the Angolan border. Not only did Marley and Befesa have to make sure that all documentation for every truck was 100% in order, but WP also had to appoint a dedicated person to handle the time-consuming and rigorous customs process – the result of which was costly delays and standing time.

Against all the odds, Marley took on the project at hand with the same determination that they put into every venture. For Marley, this project was about more than just business; it was an opportunity to uplift communities by giving them access to the most fundamental resource of life – water.