By: Alieu Ceesay
In the heart of Banjul, a visionary team at Easy Plan & Engineers is revolutionizing the construction landscape of The Gambia with an ambitious project to convert shipping containers into office spaces. This project demonstrates the importance of the group’s innovative and reliable construction practices.
This groundbreaking initiative aims to create affordable and environmentally friendly buildings and set a new standard for construction in the Gambia and beyond.
“Transforming shipping containers into office spaces or homes is very uncommon in The Gambia,” the CEO of Easy Plan & Engineers, Mr. Sankung Saho, told Alkamba Times.
“Being chosen to pioneer this project inspires us to fulfill our vision of building affordable and environmentally friendly homes.”
The Easy Plan team and their client reacted with normalcy and eagerness to use shipping containers for construction.
“Our reaction was normal, yet we were eager to start a new chapter in the construction sector of The Gambia. It became a case study for us, as such a structure had never been built before in the country. Our clients believed in our approach to the concept idea,” the CEO explains.
The journey was not without its challenges. The lack of precedent for such construction in The Gambia meant that Easy Plan had to navigate uncharted territory.
“One major challenge during the design stage was differentiating the variables of the usual traditional architectural and structural elements composition in a design,” the CEO notes.
“Designing a metallic structure into a habitable house requires a different approach. The health and safety of workers were also a challenge, as the work involved lifting heavy materials. Inadequate tools and technologies were another hurdle. However, with our experience, we used the limited resources to slowly but neatly complete the task.”
The impact of Easy Plan’s innovative approach is already being felt.
“Engagements are underway with some environmental enthusiasts. The future of construction lies in using recycled and renewable building materials. Using shipping containers will help preserve our already depleted coastline and ecosystem. More than 40% of our arable land is gone due to the effects of mining for construction materials. Shifting to these types of building technology will preserve our scarce land and reduce deforestation in The Gambia and Africa as a whole,” the CEO emphasizes.
The Dock Labour Company Office Complex, a public building designed by Easy Plan, incorporates specific features and innovations tailored to the unique nature of shipping container construction. “We ensured the building is highly insulated using excellent insulating materials to reduce thermal heat. We also used materials that ensure proper sound control and reduce vertical vibrations from the upper floor,” the CEO shares.
When asked what sets Easy Plan apart from other regional construction companies, the CEO highlights their willingness to embrace new construction ideas and step out of their comfort zones.
“The world is now a global village, changing the entire building technology in this country. To be different from the rest, we must do something different that meets the desires of our customers, and this is what we are here to do.”
The CEO advises other companies looking to innovate in regions with traditional building practices: “Let’s try to be innovative and standardize our traditional building construction. Merging it with contemporary building technology is key. This cannot be attained if we do not train our workforce with the requisite skills and tools. The construction industry is a catalyst for any country’s economic growth. The results of our work create an environment that is conducive to learning and working.”
Easy Plan’s pioneering work with shipping containers is not just a project; it’s a testament to the power of innovation and dedication in transforming the future of construction in The Gambia and beyond.
