Posted on April 23, 2025
Housnia and Lamyae Akhayad are both contributing to the Oosterweel link. Housnia started two years ago as Logistics Coordinator for the Scheldt Tunnel and is now passing the role on to her sister.
This article appeared on April 17, 2025, in Cleo Magazine.
Housnia (36): “I was able to start right away as Logistics Coordinator for the Scheldt Tunnel. It was quite a challenge, but thanks to solid support and the right training, I quickly felt at home on site.”
Housnia commutes between the Scheldt Tunnel construction sites on the right and left banks and also travels weekly to Zeebrugge, where the tunnel sections are being built.
Housnia: “As a logistics coordinator, I am responsible for ensuring smooth operations across the three construction sites. I figure out which machines need to be rented or purchased, I check whether they have been inspected—or arrange for it—and I manage the transport of materials and equipment. On top of that, I also handle warehouse management, equipment oversight, and facility maintenance for site compounds and buildings. Security and surveillance on site are also part of my role. It is quite a substantial package, requiring constant coordination with project managers and site supervisors.”
At Jan De Nul, Housnia will soon take on a new role: setting up the logistics flow for new international construction sites. Fortunately, she can hand over her current job with confidence—to her sister.
“I knew that my sister wanted to take her career in a new direction. She could not pass up this amazing opportunity. And it is perfect for me too—I can hand over my ‘baby’ with complete peace of mind.”
Housnia Akhayad
Housnia: “I knew that my sister wanted to take her career in a new direction. She could not pass up this amazing opportunity. And it is perfect for me too—I can hand over my ‘baby’ with complete peace of mind.”
Lamyae is currently shadowing her sister, but soon she will take over the position of Logistics Coordinator 100%.
Lamyae (29): “The job immediately attracted me; I am ready for a new challenge. I have always heard Housnia speak so enthusiastically about her role that I really want to go for it. But do I have enough experience? The right skills? I am certainly very motivated! The fact that it is a male-dominated field does not intimidate me.”
Moreover, Housnia and Lamyae are no longer the only women on site; more and more women are choosing technical roles in the construction industry.
Lamyae: “This job is so all-encompassing, which makes it quite exciting. Moreover, everything here revolves around safety. We need the right people and the right machines in the right places. All materials, no matter how small or large, must be inspected and labeled. The Oosterweel construction site is immense; it is a community in itself. Every day, hundreds of people work together with gigantic cranes, trucks, and bulldozers. Our ambition is not only to be the largest but, more importantly, the safest construction site.”
Currently, a section of 450 meters of tunnel is completed on the left bank, and 150 meters on the right bank. The sisters have walked through the site together many times.
Lamyae: “It is incredibly fascinating to see the whole project evolve. We are both extremely proud to be working on the ‘crown jewel’ of the Oosterweel link. The Scheldt Tunnel will be talked about at all our family gatherings, I already realize that now.”
“The Oosterweel construction site is immense; it is a community in itself. Every day, hundreds of people work together with gigantic cranes, trucks, and bulldozers. Our ambition is not only to be the largest but, more importantly, the safest construction site.”
Lamyae Akhayad
