Page 53 - AF_SINERGIA_37_Final_Online_EN_V1

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APRIL 2011

In those days, despite the hardships “which we did not feel, maybe because of our boss or because of the actual workers that did not stop and just simply looked ahead. We overcame all obstacles”, he says. In those days we simply did everything. “I was the driver, the foreman, I would spread the asphalt – as I usually say I had multi roles”, and very proud of this fact.

In 1974 Mota e Companhia returned to Portugal and of course I returned as well. “I usually say that when we started in Portugal we were 18 and now we are 18 thousand. We grew a lot. At this time everything seemed to be going wrong, but in fact I don’t think so, in 1960/61 we witnessed the war in Angola, in 1974 we were very close to bankruptcy. But it is during these very hard times that we grow even more”. Very close to the company founder, Mr. Candal revealed that it was a wonderful

relationship. “Once, in South East Africa, we few from Windhoek to the Calueque dam to see how the works were going and on our way back we ran out of petrol and to avoid a stormwe landed right in the middle of a cattle farm. Mr. Mota always fell asleep during the trips and when there were problems I was always the one that had to given him an answer. So when he asked: “Candal, where are we?” I simply answered: I don’t have a clue, we're somewhere in the middle of the cattle.”

And it was true we were surrounded by cattle, but he quickly got a lift and of course did business.

That’s why I say that Mr. Mota was way ahead of his time. He was a bold person who went ahead with everything and without fear.

If he trusted someone - he really trusted, and I must admit that he trusted me and relied on my work. It was a life of sacrifce, but a life that I enjoyed. I’m in the right profession”.

Mr. Candal reveals that to be a Foreman in this company we have to know how to deal with the people working directly with us. This is our role. “We have to work and we have to likewhat we do”.

Having worked for the company for so many years Mr. Candal has witnessed many major projects that have marked

the company and his life. Bridges, roads, airports, service areas, supermarkets, small and big projects, he has done a bit of everything and met many important people throughout his life.

“All the works I was involved in left a mark but I recall specially the most difcult ones like the EXPO 98 earth-moving works at the largest rubbish dump I had ever seen”.

“It is interesting because when I pass by works that have already been carried out, I say tomyself, people don’t have a clue of the work involved here and in all works there is always something special that marks me”, he adds.

He likes to play cards and is very close to his family, a true “super dad”, and as he, himself says, as the years go by “he is becoming softer”. Despite all, he says that age is relative. “I’m turning 74, but inside I feel 30”, he says with a smile.

“I fy the Mota-Engil fag with dedication, pride and commitment. I don’t want to speak of the bad times; I just want to remember the good times which were many”.

Mr. Candal highlights that he feels at home here, “so it’s going to be very difcult when I leave for good”.

› Mr. Candal in St.º António do Zaire (Angola)

› Mr. Candal in St.º António do Zaire (Angola)

› Mr. Candal in St.º António do Zaire (Angola) › Mr. Candal in St.º António do Zaire (Angola)