55 new projects worth QR18.8 bn in 2019: Ashghal

Year: 2019

55 new projects worth QR18.8 bn in 2019: Ashghal

Posted on by Justin Murray

The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) will spend QR18.8 billion on 55 new road and infrastructure projects in 2019. This was announced by Ashghal President Saad bin Ahmad al Muhannadi at the authority’s third industry briefing on upcoming infrastructure projects in Doha in March.

“Ashghal will focus on infrastructure projects in new and existing sub-divisions and to complete them on time with the required quality,” Muhannadi said. “Ashghal has completed 95 percent of its Express Highway project and the next priority will be development of citizens’ plots, existing sub-division, ground water and drainage network. The projects in 2019 will include 125 km of drainage, 175 km of road, 285 km of ground water network and over 1 million square metres of landscaping,” Muhannadi said.

Ashghal is currently implementing 14 projects serving about 16,000 sub-divisions with a budget of QR6.5 billion. Many companies related to the construction industry, contractors, suppliers, manufacturers, consultants and individuals from government and non-government institutions attended the seminar.

Ashghal presented local roads and drainage projects that will be tendered during 2019 and projects that are under construction.

The Ashghal president also referred to the benefits of revisiting the contracts, which emphasised the importance of community outreach to reduce the impact of construction on the daily lives of the public and the surrounding environment and increase public awareness.

Chairman of Hamad Bin Khalid Contracting Company and QBS International Sheikh Ali bin Hamad al Thani said Ashghal’s recognition of outstanding contractors is a good gesture to encourage other contractors to comply with the standards of the authority.

Ashghal has honoured seven companies for their outstanding performance in the area of safety. Five companies were awarded certificates of recognition for their excellence in implementing new contract enhancements.

Technical Office Manager at Ashghal Ahmad Ali al Ansari said 104 companies have already been accredited through Ta’heel initiative, providing 141 certified and locally manufactured products.

Source: Qatar Tribune

Hamad Port proves a model for eco-friendly developments

Posted on by Justin Murray

Hamad Port is not only the largest and most innovative port of the region which is fast becoming a hub of maritime trade in the Middle East but also an environmentally-friendly facility.

People generally know that Hamad Port is the largest port in the region employing smart technologies, innovations for its growing vessel traffic but its environmentally-friendly endeavours, practices are lesser-known in public domain.

Mwani Qatar, in a recent tweet, shared some interesting and laudable facts linked with the sustainable construction of Qatar’s gateway to the world.

“Hamad Port is considered the region’s largest and most environmentally-friendly project and this title has been well deserved for several factors, the most important of which is its success in relocating and moving more than 12,500 pieces of hard coral reefs.“

Sharing some other details of steps taken to preserve the environment while developing Hamad Port, Mwani Qatar tweeted about relocation of 14,300 square metres of seaweeds and 31,700 marine seedlings and avicennia trees providing shelter and nourish countless sea creatures.

In June this year on being recognised as one of the Greenest Ports in the world, Mwani Qatar had tweeted: “Environmental protection has been a key objective in all phases of Hamad Port’s construction.

The port’s international recognition as one of the world greenest ports proves that this goal has been achieved, underscoring its commitment to local and global environmental standards and adopting the latest innovative practices based on environmental sustainability and clean energy.“

Earlier in November 2016, Hamad port had won “largest smart and environment-friendly project” award that is granted to the best practices in safety, maritime environment and port operations.

All these environmentally-friendly measures taken by Mwani Qatar for development and running of Hamad Port have been widely hailed by different world organisations. The ‘World Port Sustainability Program’ on its website Sustainableworldports.org published an article “Hamad Port – Ensuring sustainable mega port development” in 2017 which states: “The guiding principle for the port management was to ensure that the project is sustainable and environmentally does not adversely affect the communities in the vicinity.

With guidance from the Qatar’s Environment Ministry, a separate project was set for independently monitoring the development activities with respect to their effects on environment. In particular the impact of the construction activities on air quality, coastal morphology, groundwater quality, marine ecology, sediment, noise, fauna and flora were closely monitored and follow up actions were taken where needed.”

The articles also details steps taken under a separate project for the relocation of ‘at risk’ marine life to alternate ‘recipient’ sites. “At the end of the monitoring period in 2017, the results were evaluated verifying that there was only minor environmental impact. The relocation (of marine life) project itself was considered very successful with 78% of the relocated communities surviving and now thriving,” the article adds.

Source: The Peninsula Qatar

Kuwait’s Electricity and Water Ministry awards $18.7m tender to HEISCO subsidiary

Posted on by Justin Murray

Heavy Engineering Industries and Shipbuilding (HEISCO) has announced that one of its subsidiaries, Gulf Dredging and General Contracting Company, has been awarded a tender worth $18.7 million by the Kuwaiti Electricity and Water Ministry.

Based in Kuwait, HEISCO is a major engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor with a range of diversified businesses including operations in sectors such as: oil and gas, petrochemicals, power, pressure equipment manufacturing, shipbuilding and repair, dredging and marine construction, maintenance and other industrial services, including heavy industry projects.

The company has a 99.92% stake in Gulf Dredging and General Contracting Company, according to a filing to the Kuwait bourse. The statement also explained that the tender is in favour of Kuwait’s electricity and water ministry and carries a maturity period of 36 months.

The financial impact of the tender will be operating income that will be registered in the financial statements for fiscal years 2019 and 2020, it added.

Source: ME Construction News

Ashghal project wins CEEQUAL Design & Build Award

Posted on by Justin Murray

CEEQUAL is an international evidence-based sustainability assessment, rating and awards scheme for construction and service projects. It uses a rating system to assess performance of the projects during their development through the design and construction phases.

Ashghal completed the construction works of the Main Trunk Sewer last April, as part of the Doha South Sewage Infrastructure Project with “Jacobs” (formerly CH2M) as the international management consultant. The project aims to serve a number of areas south of Doha through connecting them with the drainage network.

The Main Trunk Sewer (MTS) comprises of three branches; northern, western, and eastern, with a total length of approximately 16km. The northern branch extends for about 4km through Rawdat Al Khail and Al Nuaija areas.

The western branch stretches for about 5km from Mesaimeer, Al Maamoura to Freej Al Soudan. The eastern branch extends for about 7km from Al Thumama to Old Airport area, passing through the E-Ring Road. These branches are gravity-based tunnels which are designed to reduce environmental impacts arising from sewage overflow, control odours in sewage treatment works and conveying system, and decrease the costs for operation and maintenance of foul sewer system.

The Doha South Sewage Infrastructure Project also includes the construction of seven lateral interceptor sewers with approximately 24km of microtunnels, which are constructed using 170 deep shafts in different areas around Doha. The lateral interceptor sewers will convey sewage flows from areas in the center and south of Doha to the three branches of the MTS, which will then convey these flows to the existing Doha South Sewage Treatment Plant.

It is worth mentioning that the project is designed to accommodate the population growth expected in Doha South, and has the capacity to be linked to the future infrastructure projects, in line with Ashghal’s commitment to provide sustainable infrastructure in the State of Qatar.

Once complete, the project will enable the decommissioning of more than twenty foul sewer pumping stations located in the residential and commercial areas in the south of Doha.

It should also be noted that the project team has implemented periodic environmental audits as a contractual requirement to test and measure the contractor’s (the Joint Venture of Bouygues and UCC) compliance to the established standards and environmental bests practices.

Source: The Peninsula Qatar

Northcroft Middle East Internship Programme

Posted on by Justin Murray

“It is without a doubt, a sad time to say goodbye to Janelle …., (Northcroft Middle East 2019 Intern) Janelle Cezar returns to Malaysia at the beginning of August 2019 to continue with her final studies. Having completed six months of work placement internship with Northcroft Middle East, we are exceptionally pleased with Janelle’s commitment to work, her inane ability to make everyone smile and whilst we thank Janelle, we are also proud to offer a permanent offer of employment once Janelle completes her education. Well done and good luck with your final studies Janelle” Peter J. Locks – CEO.

Northcroft Middle East Corporate and Social Responsibility Programme

Our Summer Internship Programme is designed to offer excellent work experience to compliment your classroom training and career goals. We are devoted to finding, selecting and training interns who will make a positive impact on our company. Intern Program activities allow you an opportunity to meet and network with company executives, employees, and fellow interns, as well as learn more about the quantity surveying profession and the construction/engineering industry.

Interns are assigned to a variety of departments for the summer, including Pre-Contract, Post Contract and Claims/Dispute Resolution Departments, placement decisions are based on interests, skills and position availability. Furthermore, interns are provided with direction, coaching and mentoring so they may perform at their personal best.

“Our belief in education and training, has been and continues to be, fundamental to Northcroft Middle East’s commitment to excellence” said Peter Locks, (Chief Executive Officer). “Moreover, we actively encourage our interns to develop and share their ideas as we provide the tools and resources necessary to implement them. Active involvement in live projects stimulates their learning, allowing them to leave their mark on the company”.

Northcroft Middle East offers a wide range of opportunities to work on projects that have powerful, lasting and positive impacts on people, communities and the environment. Career and internship opportunities for dynamic, talented and passionate people who want to maximise their potential are available, please forward your CV’s to enquiries@northcroftme.com.

About Northcroft Middle East:

Northcroft Middle East has a reputation second to none, we have a heritage that can be traced back to the 1840’s. Founded in the United Kingdom and under British Management, Northcroft Middle East was established in Doha, State of Qatar in 1976. The United Arab Emirates office quickly followed in 1978.

We are an independently owned, Chartered Quantity Surveying Firm, collaboratively engaging with our clients across many major construction and engineering projects in the Middle East. Our international presence, supported by our client partnerships has enabled us to build upon our expertise with operations in Russia, Maldives, Sri Lanka, United States of America, Brazil, Eritrea, Lebanon and throughout Europe.

Our corporate philosophy is simple, we act with absolute integrity, treat each other with respect and take responsibility for our actions and work. This ethos has enabled us to continue to build upon our reputation for uncompromised performance.

Regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), we continue to assert our commitment to the profession, that Northcroft Middle East is committed to setting and upholding the highest standards of excellence.

As an International and Middle East specialist commercial and contractual services provider, our professional and expert teams provide the full range of Quantity Surveying Services, Commercial and Contract Management, Consultancy Services, Claims and Dispute Resolution, Forensic Delay and Expert Services.

Al Khor Hospital embarks on major renovation programme

Posted on by Justin Murray

Al Khor Hospital in Al Khor, Qatar has embarked on an 18 month-long construction programme as part of a major expansion effort aimed at enhancing the patient experience.

It aims at reducing wait times and hospital length of stay, and improving access to specialised medical care for the population living in and around the city of Al Khor.

Opened in 2005 as one of Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) community hospitals, the 115 bed Al Khor Hospital provides general medicine, surgical, emergency medicine, pediatrics, and obstetric services to residents living in the northern part of the country.

Activity has continued to increase at Al Khor Hospital in recent years and in 2018 care was provided at more than 93,000 outpatient appointments and during more than 220,000 emergency department visits.

The expansion works, which commenced last month, will help the hospital meet the increased demand for current and future services.

“The expansion work has now begun and is part of HMC’s overall expansion program aimed at enhancing the experience of patients. These renovations will also allow us to provide faster access to high-quality specialist services at Al Khor Hospital,” said Mohammed Al Jusaiman, Deputy Chief of HMC’s General Hospitals Group and Chief Executive Officer of Al Khor Hospital.

Al Jusaiman explained that the construction works, which will continue until December 2020, involve significant enhancements to a number of key service areas, including the Intensive Care Unit and waiting area, the Emergency Department, and pharmacy, labor room, clinical imaging section, catering, and reception area. The works also include the establishment of a new National Diabetes Center and a Physiotherapy Center, and the expansion of the dentistry service.

“These expansion works are extensive and we are asking our patients, as well as members of the larger Al Khor community, to bear with us as we work to improve services. These construction works will include extending our Intensive Care Unit and enhancing areas within the Emergency Department. There are also plans to expand the Day Care Unit, Dialysis Unit, and the Pediatric Emergency Center. This work is being done in accordance with international standards and will improve our ability to care for our patients. It will also help to reduce patient length of stay, and to enhance our patients’ overall hospital experience,” said Al Jusaiman.

He notes that the planned National Diabetes Center will enable more patients to receive specialized diabetes care closer to their home and will also help reduce wait times. Similarly, the new Physiotherapy Center is expected to reduce wait times through the implementation of a new triage system and additional beds for assessment and treatment.

“The expansion program will also include additions to our labor and delivery services and planned expansions to our dental clinics will complement the existing service. Overall, this expansion program is about improving access to high-quality specialized care for the population living in and around Al Khor,” said Al Jusaima.

Source: The Peninsula Qatar

Al Wa’ab City: Excellence in the making – Northcroft Middle East

Posted on by Justin Murray

Northcroft Middle East are the appointed cost consultants and quantity surveyors for the prestigious Al Wa’ab City project in Doha, State of Qatar. Our collaborative partnership on this incredible development demonstrates our collective vision that Al Wa’ab City shall not only be a landmark for the future of Doha, but shall provide an authentic , yet extraordinary experience that holds true to the vision of H.H the Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani for the country’s development.

Al Wa’ab City is currently undergoing positive development which covers an area of 1.25 million square meters and have appointed Northcroft Middle East to be the project’s Cost Consultants.

“The vision of Al Wa’ab City is to inspire positive development. Al Wa’ab City has a vision to provide genuine, inspirational experiences and realistic, sustainable solutions.To go beyond four walls to ignite the possibilities for all who live and visit. To build a community for tomorrow. To add value and quality everywhere – to inspire positive development. By doing so, Al Wa’ab City will become a landmark for the future and hold a spirit with which to celebrate life’s great moments.” Al Wa’ab City.

With the development of communities of large and medium-sized family villas, a recreational all-weather destination with a diverse mix of lifestyle and entertainment venues, and economic zone, combining commercial, retail and residential elements – Al Wa’ab City will unexpectedly become a landmark for the future and hold a spirit with which to celebrate life’s great moments.

Al Wa’ab City is a diverse mix of neighbourhoods, fused with the surrounding community, which will accommodate 8000 people in over 2000 homes, ranging from luxurious villas to contemporary apartments. The development includes over 100,000 square metres of retail space and 200,000 square metres of office accommodation – all spread over 1.25 million square metres and supported by considered infrastructure and 10,700 off-road parking spaces.

Northcroft Middle East are a quantity surveying, cost consultancy firm registered and regulated by the Engineering Law of Qatar, providing commercial, contractual, pre and post contract, claims and dispute resolution support services throughout the Middle East.

For more information on Northcroft Middle East’s activities, capabilities and services, please click here to visit out website.

Source: Al Waab City

UDC signs deals worth QR1.2bn for major projects at The Pearl-Qatar

Posted on by Justin Murray

United Development Company (UDC), master developer of The Pearl-Qatar and Gewan Islands, has signed three agreements worth QR1.2bn pertaining to major projects at The Pearl-Qatar.

The first agreement has been signed with “Orbital Education” a leading British educational group, to operate “United School International”, while the second agreement has been signed to award “Al Darwish Engineering Company” the contract of the construction works for “United School International”.

The third agreement has been signed to award “Ramco Trading & Contracting Company” to undertake the design and construction works for three gated compounds in the Floresta Gardens Precinct.

Ibrahim Jassim Al Othman, UDC President and Chief Executive Officer and Member of the Board, highlighted that the total investment value in these projects amounts to approximately QR1.2bn.

Read more at The Peninsula Qatar

FEATURED: ‘Straight from the Horse’s Mouth’ – Northcroft Middle East LLC

Posted on by Justin Murray

The saying “prevention is better than cure” would have held true in many of our recent cases. Adhering to thorough Contract Administration principles is arguably one of the most effective ways in preventing and dealing with construction disputes. How can we use the “back to basics” principles to prevent the “wheels coming off” at a high speed ?”

Northcroft Middle East continues to deliver concise and pragmatic guidance through delivery of its ‘Contract Management – Back to Basics’ workshops. This series of workshops has been developed and provided to ensure our clients effectively maximise their contract administration and project activities, in such a manner, that they preserve their contractual entitlements and minimise their exposure to commercial disputes.

Johann Rothmann offers this month’s Straight from the Horse’s Mouth ‘Back-to-Basics Insight’.

Johann is currently leading Northcroft Middle East’s ‘Post Contract’ division, with more than 25 years of experience in estimating, project controls, contract drafting and negotiation, contract management and an integral driver behind Northcroft’s claim and dispute resolution services, holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Quantity Surveying, a Post Graduate Diploma in Project Management and as well as being a Registered Professional with the South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession (PrQS), he also is a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS),

Having recently provided key support and guidance on a number of locally based disputes in excess of QAR 1.8 bn, it was evident to all, that if both the Contractors and Clients involved “kept their eyes on the ball” it could have prevented situations that “spun out of control” and created a “snowball effect” that had near disastrous consequences for the parties involved.

The saying “prevention is better than cure” would have held true in many of our recent cases. Adhering to systematic Contract Administration* principles is arguably one of the most effective ways in preventing and dealing with construction disputes. How can we use the “back to basics” principles to prevent the “wheels coming off” at a high speed?

(*Note: Contract Administration and Contract Management is interchangeable for the tips shared below)

Our ‘Top 10’ Contract Administration Tips:

1. If you fail to plan you are planning to fail.
Proper planning from conception of the project will aid and assist you to minimise disputes. The application of Project Management principles is probably not the best way to start off with – it’s the only way! Particularly give attention to the following:
• Realistic time planning (Time)
• Design (Quality)
• Detailed cost plans (Money / Cost)
• Risk allocation – appropriate form of contract

2. Lack of planning on your side does not justify a crisis on my side. Lack of cost, time and quality planning will create a crisis, usually for the wrong party.

3. If you pay peanuts you get monkeys. The importance of competent CA’s and continuous professional development of key staff should not be overlooked or viewed as a “nice to have”. You would be well advised to use somebody that has been around the block.

4. The bluntest pencil is better than the sharpest memory / The pen is mightier than the sword. Record keeping is key. Record keeping is key. Have we mentioned that keeping records of everything is key? The defence rest Your Honour.

5. One size fits all? Not quite, in fact the opposite is true for construction projects. Contract and project execution strategy should be unique. Correct selection of the form of contract and risk allocation, to the party that can manage it best, will go a long way to reduce disputes. Onerous risk allocation benefits nobody in the long run.

6. Speak or forever hold your peace – He who asks is a fool for five minutes, he who does not is a fool forever. Just realise the importance and benefits of using the RFI systems. Use it or lose it …

7. Lord Byron’s quote: “Truth is best discovered by powerful statements on both sides of the case”. If you have a valid claim, it is important to provide a well-structured claims document – don’t expect a fair and reasonable Engineer’s determination for a hastily put together claim. GIGO (garbage in garbage out)

8. The only constant in every project is change. Effective change management does not require explanation. If changes happen, discuss, notify, record (!) and manage the process.

9. Cash is King. Payment application process and managing cashflow. Using the quality system and reducing NCR’s can improve your cash flow.

10. Time is money. Delays and disruption cost money … for everybody.

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