Munich-based CNT Bau, a subsidiary of the Casais Group, one of Portugal's largest construction companies, has signed a significant agreement with Salzgitter Mannesmann International GmbH (SMID) and Mannesmann Grossrohr GmbH (MGR) for the delivery of spiral-welded large-diameter pipes and pipe fittings for the Quilonga Grande water supply system in the southwest African country of Angola.
According to Salzgitter, one of Germany’s leading steel and technology groups, the pipes will play a decisive role in the drinking water supply redesign urgently required for the capital city of Luanda.
Luanda is currently suffering from a water deficit of around 1.2 million cbm. In many cases, drinking water still must be transported via tank trucks. The Quilonga Grande project, it is claimed, will pave the way for a sustainable and future-oriented drinking water supply in the growing capital city.
As Gunnar Groebler, CEO of Salzgitter AG, states: “This is a groundbreaking project to be handled jointly by member companies of the Salzgitter Group. It marks a milestone in terms of the infrastructure and quality of life for people in Angola. Steel pipes therefore play a major role in supplying people with the precious commodity that is water.”
“This is a groundbreaking project to be handled jointly by member companies of the Salzgitter Group. It marks a milestone in terms of the infrastructure and quality of life for people in Angola.”
Gunnar Groebler, CEO, Salzgitter AG
The project secures capacity utilization for Mannesmann Grossrohr through to mid-2026, while creating new jobs in Angola. Mannesmann Grossrohr GmbH and Mannesmann Line Pipe GmbH are responsible for manufacturing the pipes in Salzgitter and Hamm, which will demand a wide range of manufacturing capabilities from both companies. Pipes in diameters of 508 mm right up to 1,626 mm are required for the various sections of the around 105 km long system. As the pipes in question are needed for a drinking water system, the tubes will be coated with a special thick-layer epoxy coating on the inside and a three-layer polyethylene coating on the outside for protection.
Along with financing and co-ordination, Salzgitter Mannesmann International GmbH will handle all the logistics, right through to the harbour in Luanda and will procure any additional pipe bends and other accessories that are needed.