BergerWorld: 3rd Quarter 2007

Under the USAID-funded Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) Program, the Berger Group is responsible for managing the design and construction of approximately 863 infrastructure projects throughout Mindanao, the second largest island in the Philippines, including six major port-related initiatives, to improve docking facilities to accommodate a variety of vessels, as well as cargo loading and unloading procedures.

A number of these improvements involved the construction of Ro-Ro ramps for wheeled cargo, such as automobiles, trailers or railway carriers. To facilitate faster, safer and more efficient service, Berger oversaw the construction of Ro-Ro ramps at Bongao, Siasi, Siocon, Maluso and Lamitan Ports. The Team also managed a number of additional improvements at the facilities, including the construction of a 243-square-meter pier at Siasi to simultaneously accommodate two vessels of up to 1,000 gross tonnage; a 216-square-meter extension of the left wing of the pier and a 108-square-meter extension of the right wing of the pier at Bongao; a 200-meter continuous stairway landing, a 585-square-meter wharf extension and passenger terminal building at Maluso; and mooring and breasting dolphins at Lamitan and Siocon.

Berger also managed the construction at Maimbung Wharf, which included a 189-square-meter platform on piles at the wharf head to provide berthing for medium-sized vessels; a 108-square-meter concrete access trestle on piles; and stairway landing structures for small boats on both sides of the existing rock causeway. The Team also oversaw the rehabilitation of the existing 200-meter rock causeway, as well as the provision of two mooring bollards at the wharf head.