A hydraulic engineering project was recently completed in Santa Elena, a town in southwestern Ecuador. The project was by far the largest hydraulic engineering project that was built to improve people’s lives in Ecuador. It was also the first hydraulic project carried out by China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) in South America. After its completion, the project will provide irrigation for 350,000 hectares of land and benefit more than 560,000 locals.
Built by EMCO Group of CSCEC (CSCEC-EMCO), the mega-project included the renovations of two dams, the dismantlement and modification of five irrigations stations, the extension of a pump station, the maintenance of two pump stations, and the fabrication and installation of a water pipe that is over 3,000 meters long. The young construction team of CSCEC-EMCO, with an average age of less than 30, injected new vitality into the local economy, making new breakthroughs for the Belt and Road Initiative.
During construction, CSCEC-EMCO managed to seal a gate 40 meters underwater in the Chongon Reservoir. The team has also repaired the road at the Chongon Dam and invested 10 million yuan (US$1.43 million) to build a modern steel pipe manufacturing and processing plant. By demonstrating the reliability of Chinese standards and materials with detailed data, the team persuaded the proprietor to adopt Chinese standard steel plates. The team also took shifts around the clock in order to meet its work schedule despite the rainy season, while setting strict mechanical maintenance plans and reproducing spare parts for a 20-year-old water pump to increase its service life.
It took CSCEC-EMCO 22 months, working in seven major operating areas and 16 construction sites, to complete the Santa Elena project. With first-class quality and professional technologies, CSCEC-EMCO contributed greatly to the economic development and everyday lives of the Ecuadorian people. The project is also becoming a symbol to represent cultural integration and win-win cooperation. By connecting people’s dreams, hearts, and minds, CSCEC-EMCO has taken root in South America as a witness to the new achievements of the Belt and Road Initiative.
Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)