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Despite the seeming chaos of Cape Town International Airport’s rebuilding operations, progress with installing the intelligent backbone for all its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) requirements is proceeding on schedule.
And, says Bradley Hemphill, managing director of Electrical Engineering Solutions (EES) in a tribute to the operating skills of the Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA), the normal operations of the airport have hardly been disrupted.
EES is contracted to project manage the design co-ordination and implementation of all the ICT services at the new integrated terminal at the airport. This involves 25 systems providing services to about 120 stakeholders such as retailers, security operators and government agencies.
“Airports are extremely complex facilities. Rebuilding one around an operating infrastructure without affecting operations is exceptionally challenging.
“I don’t think the customers using the airport are aware of the project management skill that goes in to minimizing the disruption to the services they need. They are aware of the building going around them and may be inconvenienced by the noise and mess, but the signage directs them to where they need to be and their flights usually leave on time.”
Hemphill says that about 50% of the structured cabling on which all the information services is installed.
“This is an extensive rebuild. We have to move an operating service to a new location without the customers being aware of it. And often the service is being moved into spaces where the building is incomplete.”
The efficiency with which the airport’s rebuild is happening is testament to the construction and engineering professional teams on site.
“The level of co-operation among the teams is fantastic, although not without its moments. They’re all mindful of the need to proceed as fast as possible but their paramount consideration is the safety and comfort of the airport’s customers. It’s a privilege for us to play a leading part in this project.”
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