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.