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Mott MacDonald wins Mozambique tower project

UK-based engineering consultancy Mott MacDonald has won a contract to supervise construction of a mixed-use tower complex in the east African country of Mozambique, following the 2013 acquisition of a local engineering firm.

The firm announced yesterday that Mott MacDonald PDNA had been appointed by the Mozambique National Institute for Social Security (INSS) to supervise construction of the building in the centre of the capital, Maputo (pictured).

Located on an intersection of two of the capital’s busiest roads, the development will comprise two towers and a three-level underground basement. One of the towers will be 20 storeys, dedicated to apartment blocks. The other will be 17 storeys and will be used as offices.

The win comes two years after Mott MacDonald acquired the 800-person South African engineering firm PD Naidoo & Associates in a bid to expand in sub-Saharan Africa. The combined firm, Mott MacDonald PDNA, operates from 15 offices in South Africa, Botswana and Mozambique.

Mott MacDonald PDNA will supervise the structural, civil, electrical, mechanical and geotechnical works. The team will comprise an architect, an engineer, a health and safety officer, an inspector of works and support staff based in Mozambique and South Africa.

Last month the International Monetary Fund said it expected Mozambique’s economy to grow 7% this year, faster than most sub-Saharan economies, thanks to investment in the country’s vast north-eastern Rovuma gas fields.

Pedro Chilengue, Mott MacDonald PDNA’s project director, said: "The development is part of an INSS investment strategy to create revenue for its pensions and social welfare activities. Our team of experts will make careful recommendations on how construction should be managed."

Construction is expected to complete in early 2017.

Photograph: Maputo, capital of Mozambique (Hansueli Krapf/Wikimedia Commons)

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