Nine Atlas Copco compressors, including the first two HardHat models in Bahrain, have been delivered to the prestigious Riffa Views Signature Estate development comprising almost 1,000 luxury villas and townhouses around an 18-hole PGA Championship golf course and country club.

The first HardHat range of Atlas Copco portable air compressors are included in nine units delivered to contractors on the prestige Riffa Views Signature Estate development all delivered by local distributor Gulf Equipment  and Technology (GET).

Construction of the first estate began in March 2007 with the Bahrain-based Poullaides Construction (PCC) and Greek contractor Terna JV winning the award to construct a total of 354 villas and townhouses in four phases.  Phase 1 for the first 30 homes is set to be completed in July 2008 with Phase 4 scheduled for 2009.

To date PCC Terna has almost completed the foundations on all four phases.

PCC Terna has taken delivery of four Atlas Copco XAS 97 portable compressors to provide air power for a range of hand tools, including jack hammers; and includes the first two units from the recently introduced HardHat range of compressors in Bahrain.

The HardHat canopy has been designed to eliminate corrosion problems generally associated with metal canopies and meet the demands of tough on-site working conditions. It has been widely accepted around the world following its recent introduction.

The canopy also offers a more attractive and enhanced appearance.

The new housing is particularly ideal for construction site and rental usage.  Produced in UN-approved and recyclable material, the tough, corrosion-free housing retains its appearance even after many years usage and does not require replacement of canopy parts to renew the canopy; minimizing its impact on the environment lowering overall cost of ownership and ensuring an increased residual value.

According to maintenance supervisor, PCC Terna, Denis Francisco the HardHat is a “really tough machine ideal for Bahrain’s harsh desert-like conditions, heat and humidity.”

“There is also no chance of corrosion problems, the canopy will not break and it is very easy to clean,” he added.

The GPZ-Sembawang JV, between local contractor GPZ and the Singaporean engineering and construction company, Sembawang, has been awarded the project’s second contract for the Lagoons Estate, comprising 258 two- and three- bedroom townhouses with four and five bedroom luxury villas.

Compared with the Oasis Estate which is said to combine ‘the splendor of the tranquil desert with the calming cool of shaded and green areas’, the contemporary architectural style of the Lagoons is completely unique for Bahrain, set within a tropical landscape.

The Lagoons, located between the Park and Oasis Estates, incorporates tumbling rock falls, meandering lakes and stunning water features.

Throughout construction, the GPZ Sembawang JV has taken delivery initially of four Atlas Copco XA 136 portable air compressors.

Featuring an actual free air delivery of 136 l/s, the compressors are again being used to power hand tools including jack hammers.

A third contractor, Cyprus Building and Road Construction Co (Cybroc) has also taken delivery of an Atlas Copco compressor for the project, an XA 97, providing a free air delivery of 89 l/s.

Cybroc, in a JV with Tebet Enterprises will be responsible for one of Bahrain’s largest infrastructure projects building roads, telecommunications cabling plus electricity and water supplies for the luxury residential development.

For example, more than 160 km of underground electric cabling will be laid as well as 14 km of rainwater drainage piping, 26 km of potable water piping, 69 km of telephone network cabling, 32 km of street lighting cabling and 18 km of roads.

The JV is also responsible for constructing an internatio