Deloitte in the Middle East, a leading professional services firm, has teamed up with South Africa-based Loliwe Integrated Rail Solutions to offer clients a comprehensive suite of both commercial and technical advisory services.

Loliwe is currently active on several strategic projects in the South African metropolitan rail networks. The projects include modernisation of rail infrastructure to meet best-of-breed European standards for operations and safety, which are critical to the safe movement of the growing urban population in large cities.

Loliwe typically leads turnkey professional services teams in studies, feasibilities and business plans. The company is also responsible for various technical adviser roles on larger initiatives, where its signalling, telecommunications, contractual, cost, planning and operational staff provide sector specific advice to clients throughout the project lifecycle.

“There is undoubtedly a lot of uncertainty when it comes to railways and roadways development in the GCC countries, following reductions in many of the GCC’s government capital programme budgets. However, we believe strategically important lines will continue to be built, especially where the economic benefits are proven,” said Cynthia Corby, audit partner and Infrastructure & Capital Project leader for Deloitte in the Middle East.

“Our Infrastructure & Capital Projects team has worked on some of the world’s largest and most complex transport projects. We are pleased and looking forward to this new relationship with Loliwe,’ she added.

Kevin McGill, managing director at Loliwe Integrated Rail Solutions, said: “We are delighted to work with Deloitte who have chosen Loliwe as their partner in an exciting sector in an equally exciting region. The need for infrastructure in the GCC, and worldwide, to support rapidly expanding urban environments means that innovative and focussed solutions are desperately needed.”

“It is this challenge that has drawn us to join Deloitte in providing robust value-added solutions to suit the unique challenges that face each project in each of the GCC countries. In the face of uncertainty in the GCC relating to the reductions in budgets, it is now that the rail agencies need service providers to assist in bringing projects to fruition so they can continue to grow modern cities that move increasing numbers of people safely and efficiently. We are honoured to partner with Deloitte in taking up this challenge,” McGill added. – TradeArabia News Service