HR Wallingford, a civil engineering hydraulics specialis, tbrings extensive international experience in maritime engineering, coastal management, flood management and environmental hydraulics to clients in the region. Fourth Element, based in Johannesburg, has international project experience together with local knowledge in water resources, modelling and design, and environmental assessment and management.

The partnership builds on the existing presence of both organisations in southern Africa, and their respective track records with local and national governments and the mining, oil and gas, energy and bulk infrastructure industries. (The two organisations are already collaborating on a project to investigate flood management solutions for the Orange River in South Africa.)

"With our complementary skills we are able to provide world-leading solutions for clients in the region, while retaining a real emphasis on local support and delivery," said Dr Jane Smallman, managing director of HR Wallingford.

Stuart Dunsmore, managing director of Fourth Element, concurred, adding: "With our combined skills we are able to broaden the scope of the services we can offer as we work together to deliver sustainable solutions for our clients in sub-Saharan Africa.”