Waste mattersWaste is a matter of concern to Alfonso Sincioco Jr., an assistant construction manager at Keppel Seghers, the environmental engineering arm of Keppel Integrated Engineering (KIE). After all, he is involved in one of Keppel’s largest contracts secured in the Middle East.
Alfonso’s responsibilities include the planning of works, interfacing with consultants and subcontractors on all aspects of design coordination and ensuring that work is carried out on schedule.
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Braving the heat to be in one of Keppel’s largest environmental projects is Alfonso Sincioco Jr., (second from right) with his colleagues
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KIE secured a S$1.7 billion (€810 million) contract to design, build and operate an Integrated Solid Waste Management facility in Qatar in 2006. Expected to be completed in 2009, this facility will process and treat domestic solid waste for the whole of Qatar. KIE will then operate and maintain the facility for 20 years.
Working on a major project for KIE is nothing new to Alfonso. He was part of the team that built another landmark infrastructure project, the Keppel Seghers Ulu Pandan NEWater Plant in Singapore.
Part of a diverse 40-strong team made up of various nationalities, Alfonso finds communication a challenge as the majority of the people in Qatar speak Arabic and Hindi and only a few understand English. Fortunately, he has the help of his fellow team members who understand Arabic and Hindi.
Besides language, Alfonso also took time to accustom to the other quirks of this foreign land. Temperatures in the emirate can hit 50 degrees in summer and sandstorms are not uncommon.
He shared, “Getting to places by public transportation in Qatar can be challenging. It is more convenient to travel by car for your daily needs whether it is shopping or getting to work. Besides, the heat can sometimes get prohibitive so having a car really helps.”
Another quirk that a true-blue city-dweller like Alfonso has to get used to is that only the major shopping centres accept cashless payment. For everywhere else, Alfonso has to pay cash for his groceries, petrol and other daily purchases.
He quipped, “Qatar is a clean and beautiful country. Many people think of Qatar as a desert land but few know that it has a beautiful city with a scenic bayfront at Al Corniche. Qatar is a very exciting place for businesses to be in now. You can feel the buzz of the business opportunities in the air.”
Explaining his motivation to work overseas, Alfonso says, “The offer came at an opportune time, I was really looking for a big challenge in my career after finishing the Ulu Pandan project and completing my Masters programme. This project will be another achievement in my career.”
He added, “The experience you gain during an overseas posting is invaluable. You come out of your own comfort zone and grow.”
The experience makes him appreciative of all the little things his wife does for him. Married with three children, he calls home daily to keep in contact. He adds, “I am very lucky to have the support of my wife and children.”
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