Chilala Kooma
Lusaka
Summary
Civil engineer specializing in transportation and municipal infrastructure, with expertise in South African standards, including the SANRAL and TRH geometric design guides. Skilled in roadway geometry, pavement design, hydrology, and CAD/BIM modelling. Focused on improving road networks and public spaces through sustainable, data-driven design. Ready to contribute to consulting firms and municipal projects as a graduate/junior engineer.
Overview
1
1
year of professional experience
Work History
Volunteer - Engineering Faculty Open Day Committee
Stellenbosch University
Stellenbosch, South Africa
06.2024 - 06.2025
- Assisted prospective students and parents with programme information and navigation.
- Coordinated event logistics and supported departmental demonstrations.
- Demonstrated professional communication and teamwork within an engineering environment.
Education
BEng - Civil Engineering
Stellenbosch University
Stellenbosch,South Africa03.2026
High School Diploma -
Fatima Girls Secondary School
Ndola,Zambia11-2018
Skills
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Autodesk Revit
- Catenda (BIM)
- Python
- Excel (advanced)
- Rubicon pavement tools
- Project management
- Geometric and pavement design
- CAD modelling
- BIM coordination
- Materials testing
- Technical reporting
- Teamwork
- Leadership
- Critical thinking
- Problem-solving
- Communication
- Adaptability
Leadership Extracurricular Activities
- House Captain - Fatima Girls Secondary School
- Swimming Captain - Yellow House Team
- Wildlife Club Member (2014-2018)
- Community engagement and student mentorship activities
Certifications Additional Training
- Autodesk CAD / Revit short course
- Python for Engineering Applications
- First Aid
- Driver's license - South Africa / Zambia
Mobile
+27 78 793 7139, +260 779 622 809
Locations
- Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa
- Lusaka, Lusaka, Zambia
References
Available upon request.
Hobbies and Interests
- Transport systems and road safety
- Urban mobility and public-space design
- Sustainable infrastructure development
- Photography & videography
- Swimming
Projects
Designed road alignments (HDP, VDP), cross-sections, and sight distances using TRH and SANRAL geometric standards; evaluated intersection design, superelevation, stopping sight distance, and horizontal radius compliance; completed pavement layer selection using equivalent traffic loading and material specifications; stormwater and municipal services design: applied RSA stormwater drainage methods using IDF curves, the Rational Method, and open/closed conduit design; modeled minor and major drainage systems for urban environments; geotechnical and materials engineering: analyzed soil samples for classification, compaction, and CBR values; assessed slope stability and foundation recommendations Conducted materials testing and evaluated the suitability of aggregates and binders for SA pavement design standards.
Industry Relevant Strengths
- Familiarity with SANRAL geometric design and pavement standards
- Understanding of municipal service delivery challenges and infrastructure needs
- Exposure to TRH, TMH, COLTO, and relevant SANS specifications
- Interest in public transport systems and improved mobility planning
- Strong awareness of sustainability issues, infrastructure ageing, and safety engineering
Final Year Research Project
Is It Time to Update Parking Design Parameters?, A technical investigation into whether South Africa's current parking bay geometric standards (5.0 m × 2.5 m) remain adequate for modern vehicle dimensions. Includes field surveys at public parking facilities, vehicle-dimension dataset development, statistical analysis, and recommendations for revising design parameters in alignment with urban mobility and spatial-efficiency goals.
Languages
English
Proficient (C2)
C2
Timeline
Volunteer - Engineering Faculty Open Day Committee
Stellenbosch University
06.2024 - 06.2025
BEng - Civil Engineering
Stellenbosch University
High School Diploma -
Fatima Girls Secondary School