CRBC: Africa Constructor
Diligent Chinese Workers
As regards infrastructure construction, Western countries often prefer to invest rather than contract. With the support of hard-working engineering technicians, however, China can both maintain and develop its overseas contracted projects.
Owing to the demands of his job, electrical engineer Ren Yushan was transferred to Equatorial Guinea in 2001, at his prime working age, to take charge of mixing bituminous concrete on the Bata-Niefang Road renovation and extension project. Ren, from northwest China, goes to great lengths to eradicate all problems, no matter how minor, in his work. When, on one occasion, a mixing plant was not operating properly he immediately set about carrying out repairs. As the machinery roared, Ren shouted instructions to local workers on mechanical operations and the need for maintenance. He also used body language to drive home these points and ensure they understood. When he first arrived in Africa, the low-end mixing plant had a limited yield. To fulfill engineering needs, Ren would start work at 3 a.m. During the first three months he averaged less than four hours of sleep a night.
Construction work in Africa entails extensive site clearing. Exposure to clouds of mosquitos makes those carrying out such work prey to malaria and filariasis. Although the construction site clinic is constantly expanding it is always crowded with patients. Engineering construction can consequently only be carried out during the dry season, and construction workers must do extras shifts to complete works in progress. Fainting fits as a result of high temperatures and sunburn are common among workers on site.
Local Benefits
John Wangai Gichungu is one of the 1,472 indigenous workers on the CRBC construction site on Nairobi’s South Ring Road. He drives a heavy-duty trailer conveying building materials. About 10 percent of such laborers have worked for CRBC for more than a decade. Some have moved with the company to complete a number of engineering projects. Around 95 percent of John’s fellows are locals. During the construction period, local undergraduates often visit the site looking for internships, some of whom will join CRBC after graduation. Local workers account for around 80 percent of CRBC employees in Africa, according to Wen Gang.
Before he started working for CRBC in 2000, John rented a small room in a village far from the capital. He has since married and had four children. He and his family now live in a fine, large house.
The 52-km-long Northeast Ring Road that connects to the South Ring Road has been open to traffic since 2012. It has considerably eased Nairobi’s traffic congestion, having slashed to 30 minutes the former three-hour drive from the airport to the so-called Thika Superhighway. Deliah Wendy Aminilwa daily commutes on this road, and so no longer needs to get up at 4 a.m. She now has time to enjoy a good breakfast before setting out on her 20-minute journey to work.
Schools, hospitals, and shopping centers have also mushroomed along the Northeast Ring Road, and land prices have risen five-fold. “A highway of this caliber both changes our traffic and keeps the spirits of local residents buoyant. Our country has changed a lot,” said a member of parliament. “We believe that the Chinese people are our sincere friends. Kenya has decided to establish a closer cooperation with China and follow China’s development mode.” After completion, the Mombasa-Nairobi Railway will increase Kenya’s GDP by 1.5 percent annually.
China’s infrastructure construction expands local employment opportunities and increases tax revenues, and enables local governments to achieve their development goals, according to Wen Gang, contributing greatly to promoting local economy and improving people’s livelihood.
Jesus Nvondong, personnel representative of the Bata-Niefang Road extension project, is a China hand who has been working with CRBC teams for six years. “I trust Chinese people. They are honest, trustworthy and respect us, which is why I stay at CRBC,” Nvondong said.
Allan Agunda, a 33-year-old Kenyan, has worked for CRBC for 14 years. His stable job and handsome pay have enabled him to adopt an orphaned boy. “In the past, I never dreamed I would be able to leave poverty behind and help poor people nearby, but now I can. Like my two other children, my adopted son enjoys equal educational opportunities and a happy life. He admires my job, and both of us believe that we can make a difference through efforts. It is the Chinese people who have given us these opportunities and strength. I, my wife and our children will always be thankful,” Allan said.
