TPS to design major new Rwandan airport

Architectural and engineering design practice TPS has been tasked by The Rwandan Government’s Ministry of Infrastructure with undertaking the detailed design for a new airport development at the outskirts of Kigali, in the Bugesera district.

The new airport will create opportunity to provide trade zones and become a catalyst for economic generation of the area. It will also provide various forms of other opportunities associated with trade and leisure including hotels and conference facilities.

The design work for the development of the chosen greenfield site begins this month. TPS, part of Carillion Group, is responsible for detailed design work for all of the infrastructure required to support aircraft operations, together with all buildings and associated infrastructure plus operational items and equipment that will be required for a fully functional airport facility at Kigali.  Along with its experienced local sub-consultant, Gibb Africa, TPS will be undertaking all the work in-house, carrying out a design that aims to achieve international recognition. 

After prequalifying and then submitting a Technical and Financial Proposal, TPS scored top marks technically, successfully beating other leading companies competing for the contract. Technical Director of TPS Consult; Hanif Macci said: “This is a very high profile project within Rwanda which will attract a great deal of interest throughout the country, including at all levels within the government.  This will prove an exciting project for TPS and all members of the project team who will be involved in the development of design solutions and ultimate project delivery."

TPS’s vast expertise in the design of airport facilities will be utilised for this contract.  Challenges that face the team include optimising the design of large scale earthworks to provide a balance cut/fill on a site with variable topography. Preliminary Design undertaken by others indicates a total of 38m cubic meters of material needs to be moved to achieve an working platform. The design must take into account local sources of materials and what can readily be imported. The site is also remote and carries a lack of utilities; all services required for a functional airport, such as electricity, fuel and water will need to be sourced and provided.

TPS’s award winning portfolio includes the new Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport and Terminal 4 at Madrid Airport. Clients include airport operators such as BAA, AENA, Norwich International Airport, Isle of Man Airport, Aer Rianta, aviation financiers, national and local government and civil aviation authorities.

Links

  All Africa.com

  Rwandan Gateway

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