LafargeHolcim Lauds Nigerians’ Participation in $2m Competition

LafargeHolcim, a frontline cement manufacturer, has lauded the increased participation of Nigerians in its $2 million Sustainable Construction Competition, dubbed the world’s most significant competition for sustainable design.

It said 26 participants have, so far, registered for the competition, including 12 students from Nigeria.

A statement by Mrs Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, Director, Communication and Public Affairs of the company, in Lagos on, Thursday, said the competition was geared towards enhancing growth in the construction industry.

The statement said the Group Managing Director, Lafarge Africa Plc, Mr. Michel Puchercos, was elated that more Nigerians tapped into the opportunity offered by the award.

“Nigerian professionals and students participating in the competition live and work in some of fastest growing cities in the world.

“The competition is therefore an opportunity to address the myriad challenges of urbanisation as it develops.

“In Nigeria, like many other emerging economies, urbanisation is outstripping the pace at which homes, offices, roads and bridges are being built.

“An infrastructure deficit and a low degree of industrialisation, coupled with the amount of natural resources required, are highlights of the important role, which the construction industry will play in the socio-economic and environmental future of Nigeria,” he said.

According to the statement, the award is relevant to Nigeria because of its huge population, rapid urbanisation and projection for it to become the third biggest country in the world by 2050.

“As at 2016, the combined population of Abuja, Benin City, Ibadan, Kaduna, Kano, Lagos, Onitsha and Port Harcourt (the fastest growing cities in Nigeria) was 31.4 million.

“Their number is expected to swell to 54 million by 2030, according to UN Habitat. There is a pressing need for sustainable urban design and construction in Nigeria,” the statement observed.

It noted that the award seeks to recognise and reward high profile projects from professionals and bold ideas from students in the building and environment sector that combine sustainable construction solutions with architectural excellence.

It also seeks projects or ideas that institute the five principles of Progress, People, Planet, Prosperity and Place in providing sustainability for future constructions.

It added that engineers, architects, builders, planners, construction firms, project owners, students and NGOs in the 90 countries where LafargeHolcim operates are eligible to apply.

Entries for the competition, which commenced on July 4, 2016 is expected to close on March 21.

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