Week of 26 October
1. Strong ties, long history in Ajman (United Arab Emirates)
Some relationships are built project by project, and then last well beyond them. Johan Beerlandt, Executive Chairman, Peter Lembrechts, General Manager of BESIX Middle East-Africa, and Elias Sfeir, Head of Public Private Partnerships in the region, recently visited the Ruler of Ajman to reaffirm ties developed over many years. Our history in the emirate includes the development, with the Government of Ajman, of its first complete wastewater collection and treatment system. Today, we continue to operate this pioneering environmental PPP together with our partners. The visit also reflected something less tangible but just as important: personal relationships, mutual trust and a long-term presence in the region. It creates another opportunity to keep the dialogue open on future cooperation.
2. Safety to the finish line (Brazil)
As the Portonave project in Brazil enters the final stretch, the BE SAFE group paused for an important moment: saying thank you. Its members came together to recognise everyone’s dedication and contribution to accident prevention throughout the project. It is a simple gesture with a clear message. Safety is built through the preventive actions we all take every day, and those actions make a difference to our colleagues’ health and wellbeing. The meeting also marked a transition, with the team wishing one another “fair winds” for the projects ahead. Thanks to everyone whose preventive actions helped protect people on the project.
3. Why good maintenance is a lifesaver (The Netherlands)
With autumn under way in the northern hemisphere, road maintenance matters more than ever. Storms, fallen branches and rain put extra pressure on roads, where cars, cyclists and public transport share space. That makes the work of our colleagues and partners especially valuable. In Limburg, BESIX Infra Nederland recently completed the final major maintenance works of 2026 on the A79, between Hulsberg and the Kruisdonk interchange. On behalf of Rijkswaterstaat, BESIX Infra Nederland and partners are working throughout the year on Limburg’s motorways and structures as part of VOVK-ZN. We are proud of what our dedicated colleagues achieved together this year: 521,000 m² of asphalt pavement renewed and 1,112 hours spent working on the road. That also meant 35,100 cups of coffee and 2,900 sandwiches along the way!
4. KiddyBuild gives 83 young minds a look inside construction (Belgium)
Helmets on, plans unfolded, and bricks ready: 83 pupils from the Régina and Homborch schools in Uccle stepped into the world of construction during the latest KiddyBuild. Their route took them from the Chantecler site to the Jacques Delens service centre, combining introductions to construction and safety with plan reading and hands-on workshops. The children tried masonry, discovered how a crane works and even had a go at welding. Led by the BESIX Foundation, KiddyBuild gives young people a practical glimpse of the many professions behind the built environment and, who knows, may spark a few future careers along the way. A warm thank you to all the colleagues who gave their time and helped turn the day into lasting memories for the pupils.
