ANGOLA – 2nd Workshop of the Lubango Water Supply Masterplan

The 2nd Workshop of the Lubango Water Supply Masterplan, which is being developed by AdP Internacional and COBA, took place on March 13th.

The event drew a diverse group of participants, including the National Water Directorate (DNA-MINEA), delegates from the Project Coordination Unit (UCP-MINEA), as well as the executive and technical teams of EPASHUÍLA, IRSEA, INRH and GABHIC. Representatives from the Provincial Government of Huíla, along with its Provincial Directors, the Municipal Administration of Lubango, universities, NGOs, and consultants ELECNOR and DAR, also attended. ADP Internacional was represented by its Huila-based team, which included the Team Leader, Project Manager, and members of the Board.

COBA was represented by colleague Tatiana Fonseca.

Lx, 27 Mar 2024

 

LUCAS Future

COBA is currently undertaking the LUCAS Future project for Eurostat.

LUCAS Future is a strategic assessment aimed at shaping the sustainable future of the Land Use and Land Cover Survey (LUCAS), developing scenarios that consider political requirements, data usage, content, frequency, and legal challenges associated with access to private property.

The legal basis for the LUCAS Future project is grounded in the need for compliance with EU policies and regulations governing the collection of statistical data and environmental monitoring.

The project is structured into four main tasks with a total duration of six months, which includes overall and detailed project planning, followed by a comprehensive assessment of the current LUCAS survey methodology, data usage analysis, identification of future user needs, and the development of scenarios for the evolution of the LUCAS survey.

Interviews will be conducted with all key stakeholders from the European Commission (Eurostat, JRC, DG ENV, DG AGRI, DG CLIMA, DG DEFIS, DG SANTE, EEA, and EFSA) to gather diverse perspectives and expertise that can significantly enhance the quality, relevance, and applicability of future LUCAS survey scenarios and ensure alignment with user needs, technological advancements, and policy objectives.

The results will be compiled into a detailed report presenting scenarios, including recommendations for future iterations of the survey, addressing methodological, technological, and legal aspects to ensure the long-term relevance and effectiveness of the survey. These outcomes aim to inform strategic planning processes and policy formulation at the EU level, ensuring that the LUCAS survey continues to provide valuable data for environmental and agricultural management.

The conclusion of the project will culminate in a workshop presenting the results to all key stakeholders.

Lx, 5 Mar 2024

 

PORTUGAL - A1-Lisbon/Porto Motorway

The A1 Motorway (Northern Motorway) is Portugal's longest and oldest motorway. Its length, excluding interchanges with other roads, spans 303 km. For the Concessionaire BRISA, COBA was responsible between 1977 and 1991 for the Studies, Designs and Technical Assistance of approximately 50% of this motorway, including 139 Bridges and Viaducts, 6 Interchanges, and an equal number of Toll Plazas, along with 94 road network re-establishments spread across 6 different sections.

  • Aveiras de Cima-Santarém Basic Design - 1977; Detailed Design - 1980; Technical Assistance - 1989

  • Torres Novas- Fátima Basic Design - 1981; Detailed Design - 1987; Technical Assistance - 1989/91

  • Pombal-Condeixa Basic Design - 1989; Detailed Design - 1989; Technical Assistance - 1991

  • Coimbra-Mealhada Preliminary Study - 1977; Detailed Design - 1980; Technical Assistance - 1989/90

  • Mealhada-Águeda Basic Design - 1980; Detailed Design - 1982; Technical Assistance - 1989/90

  • Aveiro-Vila da Feira Basic Design - 1978; Detailed Design -; Technical Assistance - 1989/90

Of these 6 sections, particular attention was warranted to the Aveiras de Cima - Santarém and Torres Novas - Fátima sections, as the feasibility of their layouts required unconventional solutions. In the case of the first section, the most challenging aspect involved the construction of a viaduct over the Vala da Asseca, followed by the subsequent widening of the road from 2 to 3 lanes.

In the Torres Novas - Fátima section, creating a layout that facilitated the ascent to the Fátima plateau posed a significant challenge. This involved the Arrife crossing and subsequently conducting an open excavation, approximately 30 meters in height.

Due to increased traffic volumes on several sections of this motorway, COBA developed multiple projects to expand road sections from two to three lanes in both directions.

Lx, 2 Feb 2024