Construction World April 2015

PROJECT PROFILE – STEEL CONSTRUCTION

that may occur from construction works. LEMP will protect and relo- cate the Wire Bird, Mole spider habitat, clear invasive vegetation and predators and allow the rehabilitation of endemic fauna and flora. A special effort is made to prevent soil loss by preserving soils and reducing footprint. All non-hazardous waste is collected and disposed of at a recognised waste receptor. Several hazardous waste treatment methods (bioremediation, decontamination and compac- tion) has been adopted including the procurement of an incinerator to reduce waste generated. Design changes have also been made to protect heritage and archaeology sites such as the Boer Pipeline and African slave graves in Ruperts Valley. Giving back It was imperative that the project had the backing and support of the population (amounting to roughly 4 000 Saints). From the outset, it was decided that Basil Read staff would not live in an exclusive Basil Read compound but would be housed, where possible, in local accommodation amongst the Saints. This has resulted in excellent interaction between the Saints and the Basil Read expats and partici- pation in the island’s sporting and social activities. There is a project complaints line, engagement forums and regular tours to the construction sites. Senior members of the project

team make themselves available to local Saints for any questions or concerns about the project. Apart from injecting a considerable amount of money into the local economy (approximately £500 000 a month) Basil Read has provided employment for over 360 Saints – a number of whom have travelled to South Africa for additional training. Basil Read is currently the largest private employer on the island. Before the project, many Saints were leaving the island to seek opportunities abroad – resulting in negative population growth. Since the project start, 71 saints have returned from abroad to work on the project. The employment boom, together with the influx of 340 Basil Read expats to the island, has resulted in increased spending and economic optimism. Currently 47 private premises are leased to Basil Read to meet expatriate demands and many local St Helena businesses have been used on the project. Another positive consequence of the project is that construction equipment, previously unavailable on the island, can be used for additional infrastructure development on St Helena. Basil Read are proud to be involved in providing greater access to the island, bringing St Helena closer to the outside world, unlocking significant economic potential and reducing the island’s reliance on UK funding in the long term.

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CONSTRUCTION WORLD APRIL 2015