Installation of the first precast T-beam. (Image source: CCECC/YangYu)

China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) has erected the first precast T-beam on the Minna Township Roads Rehabilitation Project in Nigeria

It marks the start of the project’s beam erection phase, laying the foundation for subsequent construction work, which is located in the country’s Niger State, north west of the federal capital Abuja.

The overall development involves the prefabrication of a total of 216 pre-stressed beam segments for five flyovers.

Once operational, the roads project is expected to alleviate traffic congestion in and around Minna's urban areas, enhancing the efficiency of the regional road network, and stimulating economic activity.

Zambia roads project

Separately, CCECC has announced that it has recently begun work on the Blue Lagoon Road upgrade project in Zambia.

The 98-kilometre project connects the M9 road in Zambia with the Blue Lagoon National Park, located in the northern part of the Kafue Flats in the country’s Central Province.

It will upgrade the existing unpaved dirt road to a two-lane asphalt road with double surface treatment, along with building two new bridges and supporting works.

The package of works also includes key feeder roads linking Situmbeko–Chimbotela, Situmbeko–Mutumbi and Kasalu–Keezwa.

Once completed, the projects will open up a new route connecting Lusaka, Central Province and Southern Province, shortening the journey time down from four hours to just 1.5 hours.

In a statement, CCECC noted that it will slash logistics costs in the country to boost the local economy and create nearly 1,000 jobs.

Read more:

Lagos-Calabar coastal highway financing

Sanral upgrades roads across Eastern Cape towns

Chinese contractors complete Tanzania's John Magufuli bridge

Sany milling machine at work on Gauteng roads project 

Lifting solar panels during installation (Image source: SkyJacks)

South Africa’s solar energy market is surging, particularly in the commercial and industrial (C&I) sectors

As businesses seek cost-effective, sustainable solutions to manage rising electricity costs, solar power has become an increasingly attractive investment.

While load shedding has eased in recent months, energy costs remain high, prompting companies, especially those operating in agriculture, engineering and manufacturing to turn to rooftop solar to manage long-term operational expenses.

But while the benefits of solar are clear, the road to installation is not always smooth.

Installation challenges

“Transporting and installing solar panels presents a unique set of logistical challenges,” said Alistair Bennett, managing director at SkyJacks.

“These panels are not only bulky and fragile but getting them safely onto rooftops using traditional lifting methods can be time-consuming, risky, and expensive.”

Large-scale solar panels, often used in commercial and industrial projects, are delicate by nature and susceptible to damage from mishandling.

Rooftops can be difficult to access, and using the wrong equipment can lead to costly breakages and long project delays, issues that weigh heavily on contractors who operate on tight budgets and timelines.

Breakages don’t just increase hardware costs; they ripple through the entire project lifecycle.

“When panels are damaged during lifting or installation, it’s not just about replacing the equipment,” said Bennett.

“There are lead times for new panels, and in some cases, entire teams are idled while waiting. It impacts the bottom line and the contractor’s reputation.”

A smarter, safer way to install solar

The GEDA Solarlift is a lifting solution designed specifically for the solar industry.

With its modular, compact design and a lifting height of up to 19 metres, it provides an efficient, safe and cost-effective way to transport photovoltaic panels onto rooftop: whether in urban centres or remote agricultural settings.

“The GEDA Solarlift was developed with the realities of solar projects in mind,” said Bennett.

“It’s lightweight and easy to set up, even on uneven ground or in tight construction sites. The adjustable platform holds solar panels securely during the lift, reducing manual handling and lowering the risk of both damage and injury.”

This has made the system particularly valuable for rooftop installations in industrial parks, warehouses and commercial farms, where rooftop access and project scale can vary significantly.

For installers working in remote regions, such as those popular for utility-scale solar in the Northern Cape, the solution’s portability and quick setup offer added advantages.

Flexible rental model

SkyJacks, the local supplier of the GEDA Solarlift in South Africa, has introduced a ‘pay-as-you-use’ rental model that reduces barrier to entry for contractors and renewable energy developers.

“Our rental model is designed to be as flexible and supportive as possible,” said Bennett.

“There’s no need for a big upfront investment, which helps ease cash flow constraints. And all equipment is fully serviced and tested before each use, so contractors know they’re getting equipment that’s safe, reliable, and ready to go.”

He said the model allows small and mid-sized contractors to compete on larger projects without committing capital to own specialised equipment.

It also helps solar providers scale their operations more easily; renting additional lifts as needed without incurring permanent overheads.

Hands-on support

SkyJacks’ offering extends beyond equipment. The company provides end-to-end support, including site assessments, technical advice, and on-site setup assistance.

“We work closely with our clients to make sure the Solarlift is properly integrated into their workflow,” added Bennett. “Our technical teams are available to assist with setup, troubleshooting, and compliance, which takes pressure off the contractors.”

This package of support ensures that even less experienced contractors can safely and efficiently operate the Solarlift, helping them meet deadlines and reduce costly mistakes.

“Innovation isn’t just about panels or batteries, it’s about the tools that help make clean energy accessible and viable at scale,” he added. “The GEDA Solarlift is a practical solution to a very real problem in the industry, and we believe it’s going to play a big role in how South Africa builds its solar future.”

Read more:

SkyJacks to supply ALR lifting equipment to southern Africa

SkyJacks looks ahead to Electra Mining Africa

Volvo CE’s next-generation mid-sized excavator range (Image source: Volvo CE)

Following the launch of its new generation excavators in Africa and the Middle East, Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) reveals the specific engineering upgrades that are now delivering enhanced power, durability and fuel efficiency

Earlier this year, the company unveiled a comprehensive renewal of its mid-sized excavator range, encompassing the EC210, EC220, EC230, EC260, EC300 and EC360 models.

To validate their capabilities, the new machines were put to the test in demanding, side-by-side comparisons against both their Volvo predecessors and key competitor models. Operating in real-world conditions, the trials confirmed tangible gains in productivity and fuel economy.

Here are some of the core upgrades that underpin that performance:

1. Upgraded engine power and advanced engine pump technology

At the heart of the larger EC260 to EC360 models is the powerful Volvo D8L engine – the same trusted engine block used in many units from Volvo Trucks and Volvo Buses – delivering proven reliability and performance at a maximum of 1,600 rpm under load.

The EC210-EC230 models, meanwhile, feature a Volvo D5E or D6E engine with a maximum 1,800 rpm under load. The engine performance, combined with state-of-the-art technology MCVs contributes to the machines’ exceptional fuel efficiency, getting more work from every litre of diesel.

For example, the Volvo EC210 demonstrated up to 14% better fuel efficiency over competitors in a similar weight class during the side-by-side tests, while the EC360 recorded up to 21% greater fuel efficiency than the rival machines running at their peak rpm.

2. A new benchmark in structural strength

Moving beyond offering heavy-duty as an option, Volvo CE has engineered the entire new generation as an ‘HD lineup’. The upper frame has been significantly redesigned for increased robustness and strength. This means every machine is built from the ground up for the toughest jobs, such as working in the hard rock quarries of South Africa.

“We made a strategic decision to build the entire range as heavy duty from the start,” said Olle Watz, excavator product manager, Volvo CE region international. “This new standard ensures every excavator is prepared for demanding applications, including continuous work with a hydraulic breaker, providing customers with greater versatility and a more durable asset.”

3. Smarter hydraulics for maximum productivity

A crucial new standard feature on the EC260 to EC360 models specifically is the boom/swing priority function, allowing the operator to intelligently manage hydraulic flow.

“The boom/swing priority is a simple but highly effective feature,” said Watz. “By allowing operators to allocate hydraulic flow where it's needed most, they can significantly cut cycle times in repetitive loading positions common in mining and quarrying. It’s a smart way to boost productivity without any extra cost.”

In the side-by-side tests, the EC360 delivered up to 25% higher productivity than comparable machines from other brands.

4. An operator’s oasis – new ROPS cab and HMI

Recognising that operator performance is also critical, Volvo CE has introduced a completely new human-machine interface (HMI) on the new generation excavators.

To help operators combat fatigue during long, hot shifts, the now ROPS-certified cab features an upgraded air conditioning system, a new clearer display, and a more intuitive layout of controls.

A standard rearview camera and an optional three-point seatbelt enhance site safety, a growing priority on major projects across Africa and the Middle East.

5. Precision and intelligence from Volvo Dig Assist, ready to deploy

To help contractors meet the demands of modern projects, the excavators can be equipped from the factory with the machine control system Volvo Dig Assist. This delivers exceptional accuracy and eliminates the need for time-consuming manual site marking and depth checks.

Key functionalities include 2D for easily setting depth and slope on simpler jobs, In-Field Design for using satellite technology to design and excavate complex shapes with centimetre-level accuracy, and 3D functionality for uploading complex engineering plans for large infrastructure projects. In addition, the On-Board Weighing feature provides real-time data on the bucket’s load, preventing overloading of trucks and ensuring every vehicle is filled to its optimal capacity.

“It was crucial that our customers in the Middle East and Africa have access to the same advanced technology as anywhere else in the world,” said Watz. “The full suite of Dig Assist is available, with system capabilities that are 100% identical to what is offered in Europe. This gives contractors a powerful tool to bid on and execute complex projects with maximum precision.”

A new standard in performance

Taken together, these upgrades represent a significant step forward. By combining a stronger frame, a more efficient powertrain, intelligent hydraulics, and a superior operator environment, the new generation excavators are built to deliver greater uptime, lower running costs, and higher productivity on the region’s most demanding job sites.

Read more:

Machine rebuilds: the African shift to circular construction

Volvo urges electric shift to cut construction equipment emissions

Volvo excavators excel in demanding Gulf performance trials

New look for Volvo CE wheel loaders