The omission of heavy machinery during infrastructural development in Africa has been a contributing factor to the low development and delay of projects and in some cases total abandonment.
Inefficiency and Delays: Utilizing heavy machinery is typically more time-efficient and productive compared to manual labour and conventional construction techniques. This can lead to project delays, impeding the timely completion of vital infrastructure. More importantly, the world is more competitive in terms of infrastructural development, and projects must be completed on time, which might not be possible without the use of modern technology and heavy equipment in case of infrastructural project.
Increased Labor Costs: Relying solely on manual labour increases labour costs. Heavy equipment is designedThe world’s fastest builders: The secret to China’s construction marvels (ynetnews.com)to perform tasks more quickly and efficiently, reducing the overall labour required and minimizing associated costs even if it comes with the disadvantage of some people losing their jobs.
Limited Scale of Projects: Without heavy equipment, the scale of infrastructure projects is often limited. Large-scale projects, such as highways, bridges, and high-rise buildings, become challenging or impractical to execute, hindering overall development.
Higher Safety Risks: Manual labour-intensive construction methods pose higher safety risks for workers. Heavy equipment, when operated correctly, adheres to safety standards and reduces the likelihood of accidents and injuries on construction sites. It is highly recommended that African labour shift away from using traditional ways in construction sites and other areas of development.
Environmental Impact: Heavy equipment is designed to be more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly compared to traditional methods. Not using modern equipment can lead to higher fuel consumption, increased emissions, and a greater environmental impact.
Lack of Precision and Accuracy: Heavy equipment is equipped with advanced technology that ensures precision and accuracy in construction tasks. Manual methods may lack the precision required, leading to suboptimal infrastructure quality.
Reduced Competitiveness: In the global marketplace, countries that do not adopt efficient construction methods using heavy equipment may find competing challenging. Lack of competitiveness can impact economic growth and attractiveness to investors. A good example is vivid in the rapid development that is evolvingThe Role of Heavy Equipment in UAE’s Construction Industry | by Bruce hank | Dec, 2023 | Mediumaround the world, particularly in China’s and Dubai’s case.
Limited Innovation: Heavy equipment often incorporates the latest technological innovations in construction. Failing to use such equipment limits exposure to technological advancements and innovations that could enhance the quality and efficiency of infrastructure projects.
Difficulty in Handling Large Volumes: Manual methods struggle to handle large volumes of materials efficiently. Heavy equipment, such as cranes and excavators, are designed to move and manage substantial quantities of materials, facilitating large-scale construction projects.
Long-Term Maintenance Costs: While heavy equipment incurs initial costs, the long-term maintenance costs of manual labour-intensive methods can be higher. Heavy equipment is designed for durability and requires routine maintenance, but the cost-effectiveness often outweighs manual alternatives over time. For good quality, and cost-effective heavy machinery Shanghai Link | (shanghaiimachinery.com)
In summary, the disadvantages of not using heavy equipment during infrastructural development in Africa can impede progress, hinder economic growth, and pose challenges in terms of efficiency, safety, and competitiveness on the global stage.