There is a gradual shift emerging in Africa’s construction sector, and it is redefining how roads, bridges, and buildings are built for decades to come.
The Chief Executive Officer of Africa Continental Engineering & Construction Network Limited, Daniel Kontie, is making a strong case for why the future of durable infrastructure may no longer rest on traditional materials like steel and wood, but on fiberglass.
In an analysis cited by The High Street Journal, which is already stirring conversation among industry players, Daniel Kontie argues that the demands of modern infrastructure, particularly in fast-growing economies like Ghana, have outgrown the limitations of conventional building materials.
He recalls that for decades, steel and timber have been the backbone of construction. But their weaknesses are becoming harder to ignore. Steel corrodes, especially in coastal and high-humidity environments. Wood, while versatile, is vulnerable to rot, warping, and pest damage.
Both often require continuous maintenance, which is an added cost many projects can no longer afford.
“In today’s construction and infrastructure landscape, durability, cost-efficiency, and sustainability are no longer optional—they are essential,” he argued.
He continued that, “Traditional materials like steel and wood have long dominated the industry. However, they come with persistent challenges: corrosion, high maintenance costs, weight limitations, and environmental impact.”
For him, amid these challenges is where fiberglass, particularly solutions from Viva Fiberglass, comes into the equation.
According to Kontie, fiberglass is not just another alternative; it is a strategic upgrade. It combines strength with lightweight properties, making transportation and installation easier and cheaper. More importantly, it is highly resistant to corrosion and environmental degradation, giving it a significantly longer lifespan in harsh conditions.
He further indicates that for project owners and developers, the implications are practical and immediate. Lower maintenance means fewer disruptions and reduced lifecycle costs. Lighter materials translate into faster project execution.
Longer-lasting structures, he says, mean better returns on investment, especially critical in economies where infrastructure financing is already stretched.
In regions across Africa, where infrastructure must endure intense heat, heavy rains, and, in some cases, coastal salinity, he believes the need for durability makes the shift to fiberglass more urgent.
The CEO emphasizes that choosing materials is no longer just an engineering decision; it is an economic one.
“Fiberglass offers a unique combination of strength, lightweight performance, and resistance to harsh environmental conditions. Unlike steel, it does not rust. Unlike wood, it does not rot or warp. And unlike many conventional materials, it requires significantly less maintenance over its lifecycle,” he explained.
He further adds a sustainability angle, gaining more traction. Fiberglass, he says, with its longer lifecycle and reduced maintenance demands, can lower the overall environmental footprint of infrastructure projects.
This is increasingly becoming an important factor as countries balance development with climate commitments.
Industry observers say this shift reflects a broader rethink happening across the construction value chain: moving from upfront cost considerations to long-term value. If Daniel Kontie’s assessment holds, this means the future of infrastructure in Africa and Ghana will not just be about building more, but building smarter at less cost.
