Project Site of Soyo LNG, Angola
Pix taken during my recent visit to Soyo. In Sarawak, it is practically safe to say that project site preparation does not include landmine clearance. However over here in Soyo, Angola this is a reality.
In 1994 the two warring sides in the Angolan civil war signed the Lusaka peace accords and subsequently have slowly retreated from their entrenched positions. However, due to the heinous number of land mines Angola will remain a country afflicted by the scourge of war for decades to come because the devices act as a silent enemy not allowing the population to progress and rebuild. Estimates of the number of Angolan land mines range between 10 and 20 million which equates to at least 1 to 2 land mines for every person in the country. http://www.american.edu/TED/landmine.htm
Visit to Pointe-Noire, Congo
Recently my work takes me to Pointe-Noire, Congo. Re Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: It's the second largest city and main commercial centre of the Republic of the Congo, with a population of 663,400 (2005 census). It is situated on a headland between Pointe-Noire Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The city has grown as a seaport around the oil industry (Elf Aquitaine) and it is also known for its fishing industry.
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Re The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition 2006: Offshore oil drilling and oil refining are the city's most important economic activities. The port exports oil, tropical timber, cotton, palm products, peanuts, and coffee. Plywood, aluminum ware, and soap are manufactured, and there are shipbuilding and food-processing industries. The city is also a noted center for sport fishing. Founded in 1883, it acquired importance only after the completion (1948) of the railroad to Brazzaville and the construction (1934-39) of an artificial harbor. From 1950 until 1958 it was the capital of the French Congo.In West Africa, one must exercise with care when taking pictures. At establishments like the seaport, airport, police and military installation, taking picures are prohibited. If you want to do it, do it discreetly, or otherwise ask for permission. Even taking picture of a local restaurant, it would be courteous to ask for permission to do so. Pointe-Noire is a pretty lay back town, and the people there are friendly. French is widely spoken, and only few speaks English. I do not speak French, but after a couple glass of wine it does help of course. For those who can't live without flied lice (fried rice), not to worry, I have seen a Chinese restaurant .......... Chinese are every where! I wouldn't mind working there at all ............ maybe I have been in Africa for too long (about 8 years, I guess). So to my fellow Sarawakian Project Management comrades out there, if you ever get posted to this part of the world, I encourage you to take up the challenge.
