Forty years of ROKO and still growing stronger

As Roko celebrates its 40th anniversary, Construction Review spoke to the Company’s Vice Chairman, Kurt Blaettler and below is the excerpts:img

Briefly talk about Roko’s background.

Forty years ago, 24th July 1969, Roko was founded by Max Rohrer and Rainer Koehler (the two initials on their surnames were combined to make ROKO). From the humble start in the outskirts of Kampala, Roko buoyed by Uganda’s development has risen to gain the trust and respect of the Ugandan community by providing quality services over the four decades. Through a combination of international expertise with immense local knowledge as well as experience, Roko is now suitably qualified to serve all construction requirements of organizations investing in Uganda.

Kamu kamu gwe muganda suits the journey of Roko or as others would say, even the longest journey begins with one step and for the formidable team at Roko, this statement is indeed a true testimony of how a humble beginning turned into one of Uganda’s few success stories.

What would you say is Roko’s strength?

Roko is self-sufficient in the majority of construction disciplines and provides employment for 2,000 people on average with emphasis on training its technicians so as to produce exceptional standards of workmanship. Roko has an accomplished record of completing projects with-in scheduled time and cost. This is made possible by the experience gained over the years, technical know-how through utilization of internal and external expertise. The company also conducts regularly training as well as research, development and modernization programs.

Roko also treasures its human resource and is arguably the only company in the region to have a fully-fledged internal pension scheme with contributions wholly met by the company and not the employee. Roko also has an integrated HIV/AIDS program where workers are sensitized on prevention, care as well as given moral support.

Now that it managed to dominate the local market, is Roko planning to go international?

Roko has also expanded to Rwanda, South Sudan and Eastern Congo completing projects of impressive multi-storey office and administrative buildings, commercial facilities, embassies etc. These include new constructions as well as refurbishment of old buildings bringing them to the level of modern structures.
However, Roko intends to maintain its central operational base in Uganda focusing on the Great Lakes region because it has vast experience and knowledge on operations in the region.

Name any out-standing projects under-taken by Roko since its foundation.

Numerous projects have been commendably executed by Roko in Uganda and they include: Namugongo Shrine, Nalukolongo locomotive repair workshop, Bank of Uganda, American Embassy, NSSF Workers House, Crested Towers, Ruwenzori Courts, CocaCola Century bottling plant in Namanve, ESAMI to mention but a few.
In Rwanda, Roko successfully built Serena Hotel Kigali, Bank of Kigali building, American Embassy and many others while in South Sudan, ROKO has of recent completed the emergency rehabilitation of Ministry Buildings in Juba.

With your long history of perfection, didn’t the collapse of the Pension Tower on Lumumba Avenue take you a step back?

The reports that a tower or a wall collapsed are false. As a matter of fact, it was a landslide. In technical terms: an embankment in a portion on one side of the excavation is what carved in due to heavy rainfall. The accident was an act of nature.
Obviously this tragic accident was a great shock for us because Roko always considers the human resource as the most valuable asset and investment. We therefore never take safety for granted.

Roko seems to focus only on buildings, any plans for diversification to other construction sectors like roads etc?

Roko has not been dominant in the roads sector. We however have executed some road works including the access to the VVIP terminal at Entebbe International Airport which have met the standards required by the Uganda National Roads Authority. From the point of view of diversification it would definitely make sense to go into the road sector. The government has also set a focus in improving the road network in Uganda so the market will definitely be growing over the next years. How can you describe Roko’s relationship with other industry

Stake holders?

Our relationship with professional bodies is good. We are also in a good working relation with Ministry of Works of the Government of Uganda.

Where do you see Roko in the next forty years?

Roko will continue to be a regional leader in the construction industry, focusing on recruiting and training the best local graduates to keep up with the ever changing construction design challenges and maintain our trade mark for the best quality finished products within budget and time constraints.

40 years of ROKO

INTRODUCTION
Founded on July 24th 1969, ROKO obtained its name from the first two letters of the surnames of its founding Directors namely, Max Rohrer and Rainer Koehler.

Roko Construction Limited was incorporated in Uganda in 1969 and has since become established in the region as one of the leading building and civil engineering construction companies with extended operations in Rwanda and South Sudan. Roko has carried out construction far and wide in the good and bad times of Uganda, by combining international expertise with the immense local knowledge and experience.
Roko is well qualified to serve all construction requirements of organizations seeking to invest in Uganda, the pearl of Africa.

The company is self sufficient in a majority of construction disciplines and provides employment for an average of 2000 people. The long list of projects successfully completed by Roko Construction bears witness to their commitment and performance in the region. After forty years of such commitment they have gained the trust and respect of a wide range of clients including Governments, Embassies, International organizations and local individuals and companies.

A BRIEF PROFILE OF FOUNDING SHAREHOLDERS

Rainer Koehler Sr. – Chairman
Born in 1931 in Zurich, Switzerland, he completed his studies in Accountancy in 1951.
Worked in various textile and motor vehicle companies between 1951 and 1953. He was appointed accountant for A. Lang Ltd., a Swiss construction company with over 6,000 employees and posted to Ghana between 1954 and 1957. In 1958, he was made manager for timber operations rising to Corporation secretary in 1959. Between 1962 and 1972, he was Commercial Director for A. Lang Ltd. In 1969, he formed ROKO Construction Ltd. in Uganda.

Max Rohrer (R.I.P)
Born in 1935 in Switzerland. Between 1950 and 1953 studied apprenticeship in Building Design in Zurich. 1954 – 1958 Studied at Technikum University, Zurich and graduated in Civil and Architectural studies. 1960 – Joined A. Lang Ltd., Ghana as Civil Engineer 1962 – 1968 – Worked as Technical Director of A. Lang Ltd., Ghana In 1969 he formed ROKO Construction in Uganda. He passed on 7th October 2005 in Mahe Seychelles and was buried in Uganda.

OTHER SHAREHOLDERS
Kurt Walter Blattler
Born in 1946 and Joined ROKO in 1981 as Project Manager for Locomotives Workshops at Nalukolongo, Kampala. 1983 – 1987 – Technical Manager ROKO Construction Ltd., overseeing all construction sites. 1990 – 2006 – Technical Director and Shareholder ROKO Construction Ltd. 2006 – Date – Vice Chairman ROKO Construction Ltd.
Friedhelm Erwin Jost
Born in 1945 in Switzerland 1978 - Joined ROKO Construction Ltd. as Commercial Director and later Shareholder

An unparalleled reputation has been achieved through:

• Experience in the region
• Commitment to quality control as evidenced by their ISO accreditation and certificate
• High quality technical and supervisory staff
• A large permanent pool of skilled local manpower in all disciplines
• A policy of long term employment of staff and manpower
• Continued emphasis on training of technicians and craftsmen
• Efficient commercial and administrative facilities
• In-house facilities and self sufficiency in most construction disciplines including electrical, plumbing, air conditioning, metalwork fabrication, precast concrete production, carpentry workshop, aluminium workshop, crushing and batching plant operations, etc.

ROKO has over the past forty years been a pioneer in many constructions that are a landmark in various fields in Uganda with historical, architectural and quality hallmarks. ROKO has brought on board construction methods, innovations and trends hitherto not witnessed in Uganda by employing specialized manpower, machinery and equipment to meet the most demanding requirements from Consultants and Clients. ROKO decided to expand into neighbouring markets with Rwanda and South Sudan where they are incorporated on permanent basis and have so far undertaken a number of prestigious projects with the same high quality finish that is their traditional hallmark.

PIONEER PROJECTS OF HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE

Among ROKO’s pioneer projects, which define the built landscape of Kampala and Uganda at large include: -

Uganda’s Martyrs’ shrine at Namugongo, Kampala
The ground breaking for the Uganda Martyrs’ Shrine, Namugongo was done in 1969 by Pope John Paul VI on his maiden visit to Africa, the very first by a sitting Catholic Pope to the continent. In 1973 the design for the shrine was made by a renowned Award winning Swiss Architect Justus Dahinden and the construction executed by Roko Construction Ltd. between 1973 and 1974.

This masterpiece in design encompasses both Modern Architecture blended with African Traditional Architecture and Form; utilizing the circular space African design and poles to enhance beauty and identity of the building. This was among the pioneer projects executed by Roko which still exhibits the quality and high standard workmanship that have become the hallmark synonymous with Roko over time.

Locomotive Workshop at Nalukolongo for Uganda Railways Corporation Completed in 1982, the project comprised construction of steel portal frame workshops infilled with concrete block walls; roofing sheets on steel purlins, steel casement windows and steel sliding doors. The project was pioneer in use of piling in Uganda due to the weak soil strata in the site location.

HIGH SECURITY CONSTRUCTIONS

American Embassy Buildings at Nsambya, Kampala

ROKO executed the construction of the American Embassy Building in Nsambya under the supervision of Morris Knudsen Inc. The construction involved works of high security in nature within a strict time schedule, which necessitated working 24 hours a day in three shifts.

USAID Offices and MSGQ Buildings
Built within the American Embassy compound, the works were supervised by BL Harbert Inc. International L.L.C. The works involved construction of offices for USAID and Marine staff guard quarters to high finishing standards.

American Embassy, Kigali, Rwanda
ROKO constructed all the outer buildings and supplied all concrete for the entire project, including construction of external works and boundary wall. The works were supervised by BL Harbert Inc. International L.L.C.

INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES

Coca Cola Bottling Plant, Namanve
ROKO Construction Ltd. was contracted to construct the Coca Cola bottling plant, the biggest in the region at the time in Namanve, under the supervision of Century Bottling Company South Africa and Barker, Burton and Lawson (U) as the local consultants. The Construction comprised earthworks and landscaping for the new factory, Water treatment plant installations, Waste water and sewage treatment plants and ponds, Bottling factory building, warehouses, parking area, boundary fencing complete with the necessary Electro-Mechanical installations. Apart from the Namanve plant, ROKO had completed the construction of the Mbarara Coca Cola Bottling plant factory.

OFFICE BUILDINGS

Bank of Uganda Headquarters, Kampala
This steel framed building infilled with concrete is a unique design to this region. High quality interior partitioning system combining Aluminium and timber panels with wall paper finish to concrete surfaces, acoustic ceilings give the building a rich feel that befits the Bank Status.

Workers House, Kampala
This monumental building with its glass skylight, granite finish, unitized glass façade curtain walling, interior landscaping has since completion been a defining feature in the skyline of Kampala. ROKO Construction Ltd. was contracted to complete the building after the earlier contractor had failed to perform. The works involved demolition of poor quality concrete beams and reconstruction with high grade concrete to support the Curtain walling. The unitized Glass Curtain walling was first introduced to the country on this project.

Wall to wall carpet flooring in office space, acoustic metal ceilings and a fully air conditioned building with ready voice and data cabling. Panoramic lifts, basement parking with carbon monoxide detection installation, sprinkler fire suppression installations complete with all electro-mechanical installations were all constructed and installed by ROKO in house specialist departments.

Modernization and Rehabilitation of Crested Towers Building
The building comprising of 2 No. Office towers of 20 and 12 floors respectively totalling approximately 12,800m2 and a block of shops in two levels totalling approximately 5,000m2 was in a very sorry state of repair as a result of many years of war damage, misuse, lack of maintenance and dilapidated building fabric.

The works involved a total renovation and Modernisation of the building comprising:

  • Demolition and removal of damaged parts of the building and removal for replacement of all obsolete materials of the building fabric.
  • The metal frame and brackets were re-aligned and welded for plumbness and requiredlevels.
  • Water proofing concrete flat roofs
  • Installation of new metal sheet roofing on steel trusses to tower blocks.
  • New aluminium glass windows and doors installed, new glass sun breakers installed.
  • Installation of new timber doors.
  • Complete overhaul and installation of internal finishes comprising PVC floor tiles in offices, ceramic floor and wall tiles to wet areas, quarry tiles in circulation areas, granite and marble tiles in lift lobbies and suspended acoustic ceiling tiles.
  • Total overhaul and installation of electrical, plumbing and fire fighting installations.
  • Installation of new lifts.
  • Introduction of centralized air-conditioning to offices complete data and voice network.

Rehabilitation of existing parking and construction of additional parking in concrete paver blocks complete with storm water drainage.

SHOPPING MALLS

Shoprite Lugogo Mall, Kampala
The building comprises a complex of 2 shopping malls for Shoprite and Games stores, with other line shops.
The works excavation of swamp area to remove black cotton soil and filled with imported red soil, compacted to form firm bearing ground. The building was then constructed on concrete ground beams and column bases with load bearing walls and a power floated concrete slab. The roof structure comprises steel trusses covered with single length joint less corrugated iron roofing sheets with sisalation insulation.
The works finishes include:
• Anti static vinyl floor tiles, ceramic floor tiles.
• Grazed wall tiles, plaster and paint and painted fair faces block walls externally.
• Construction of parking in concrete paviour blocks complete with storm water drainage.
• Aluminium windows, shop fronts and doors externally and timber doors internally.
• Air conditioning, plumbing and fire fighting installations.
• Electrical installations including standby generator.
The site works include paved parking and driveway, storm water drainage including expansion of the storm water channel, passing below the building. A sports playground with pavilion and changing house, and all landscaping.

MAJOR PROJECTS COMPLETED IN RWANDA:

Nyungwe Eco-lodge, Rwanda
With the realization of diminishing world ecological endowments, it has become necessary to conserve existing resources for current and future generations. The design and construction of new tourist facilities have embraced the use of environmental friendly, biodegradable materials, whilst maintaining high standards and causing as little disruption to the environment as possible. It is with this in mind that Dubai world floated the bids for construction of an ecolodge in Nyungwe national park Rwanda. ROKO was the best evaluated bidder in terms of cost, and methodology to achieve the set parameters.

The project comprises construction of 8 forest villas with 26 rooms of different types; staff housing, main hotel building totaling approximately 4,770m2 and associated external works. The design incorporates use of timber structure for the buildings, with glazed timber windows and doors and timber slate roofing. Natural tile slate flooring, timber ceilings; with a complete modern electro- mechanical installation, incorporating solar lighting and water heating installations. The external works including road works and swimming pool had to be executed by hand and hand operated equipment to cause as little disturbance to nature as possible.
The project commenced in August 2008, is due for handover in December 2009 as scheduled.
Modernisation and extension of Hotel Intercontinental, Rwanda
2004:

Modernisation of existing hotel and construction of additional building structures to increase capacity complete with electro-mechanical services, amenities and a new conference centre.
The project was supervised by Pentagon architects.

Alterations and renovations of Kigali Serena Hotel, Rwanda 2008:

Designed and supervised by Symbion Architects, the project commenced in August 2008 and was handed over in September 2009. It comprised construction of 44 guest rooms, a health club and all day dining area complete with swimming pool and landscaping all done to international 5 star hotel finishing schedule completed within budget and time schedule while not disrupting the operations of the Hotel. This was a daunting task but ROKO measured to it and achieved desired quality to the satisfaction of the Client and Consultants.

MAJOR PROJECTS COMPLETED IN SOUTHERN SUDAN:

Rehabilitation of Government Offices in Juba, South Sudan
Designed and supervised by Gibb Africa, the project commenced in March 2006 and completed in December 2008, the project comprised rehabilitation of 8 blocks of Government office buildings approximately 12,000m2 complete with external works. The specific tasks included demolition of concrete slabs, columns and beams, doors and windows, roof structure, hacking off floor and wall finishes; new works included repairs to structural walls, new aluminium doors and windows, Pre-painted resin cot roofing sheets on steel trusses, timber interior doors, suspended acoustic ceilings, granite floor tiling, total overhaul of electro - mechanical services, new air-conditioning installations. External works included, paved parking and road works, boundary fencing, storm water drainage, foul water drainage and septic tanks and street lighting.

Execution of the project was a big logistical challenge, considering that South Sudan had just come out of war and barely had any functioning infrastructure to start with. All the materials, foodstuffs and manpower had to be imported. The earth works were a big challenge especially during the rainy season; supplies had enormous delays on the road as a result of pile up of trucks. The small size of Juba Airport did not help, since large cargo planes could not be used.
ROKO’s long time experience in coordination of logistical supplies came in handy to complete the project within time and to the usual high quality finishing that is synonymous to ROKO.

ON-GOING PROJECTS

Mapeera House, Centenary Bank Headquarters A new addition to the Kampala skyline comprising of 2 basements, Ground floor Banking Hall, 3 podium floors and 12 floor tower designed by Ssentoogo and Partners Architects. On completion the building is to house all amenities necessary for an ultra-modern Bank, complete with all high security installations. The tower is to house lettable office space fully set and wired for internet and voice installations. The façade comprising of Curtain walling and aluminium cladding to corporate colours of the Bank will enhance the beauty of Kampala Road.

The entire project is executed by ROKO Construction including Electro-mechanical installations and specialized finishes.

The challenge on this project was the restricted site space which is virtually covered by the building, coupled with the busy streets on which the site is located. To overcome the impediments, concrete was mixed offsite at ROKO’s batching plant and transported to site by mixer trucks for pumping to the respective floor levels. Most of the concrete works had to be executed at night when the traffic flow has subsided.

NSSF Pension Towers

Designed by Ssentoogo and Partners the building comprises 4 basement parking floors, a ground floor, Mezzanine floor, podium and three towers. 2 side Towers of 8 storeys and a central tower of 24 floors. ROKO Construction Ltd. have been contracted to execute the first phase of the building, covering the basement floors. The enormous volume of concrete and steel reinforcement bars required in the basement floors forms the current challenging task, which is ably met by ROKO’s vast experience in executing works of a similar nature.

CONCRETE PRODUCTION

Roko Construction Ltd. supplies Ready Mix Concrete meeting the exact requirements of their clients. Through its team of experienced engineers and concrete technologists, the company can supply high performance durable concrete for all applications and requirements.

CONCRETE PRODUCTION FACILITIES

The Company has a modern, computer controlled batching plant with a capacity of approximately 8’000 cubic meters monthly. Located at Nasser lane in Kampala City centre, the plant is geographically well placed out to ensure prompt and smooth delivery of concrete to sites. Logistics of Ready Mix Concrete delivery is managed through efficient utilization of its large fleet of transit mixers as well as concrete pumps.

PROCESS CONTROL

At each stage of production strict quality control procedures are applied. All the incoming raw materials are checked for chemical and physical properties. The computer controlled weighing systems for aggregates and additives are checked and calibrated regularly as per the relevant standards and fully comply with international weights and measures regulations. The concrete strength is constantly tested in our In-house Laboratory. Further tests are also carried out at regular intervals at independent laboratories.

HIGH QUALITY MATERIALS

All raw materials are regularly tested by independent laboratories.
The admixtures being used in concrete are procured from SIKA Chemicals and Conmix Construction Chemicals division, which are tested and approved by consultants and Bureau of standards.

ROKO CONSTRUCTION Ltd.
Tel: + 256 (0)414 567305 / 567331
Fax: + 256 (0)414 567784
E-mail: roko@roko.co.ug
Website: www.roko.co.ug