Renk warns local contractors to observe building standards

By Ngor Arol Garang

March 26, 2010 (RENK) — Authorities from the government of South Sudan in the state of Upper Nile have warned local contractors to observe quality building in all construction activities.

Jok Dok, a local official charged with monitoring and supervision of all constructions of buildings belonging to the county authorities, has urged foreign contractors in partnership with local contractors in the area to adhere to the country’s building standards.

The official who holds honors in civil engineering from Khartoum University said it is important for contractors to follow the standards specified by Government because a lot of money is spent in funding these projects.

He made these remarks when commissioner Deng among other top officials in the county paid a visit to construction site from where two primary schools are being built by local companies in collaboration with an Egyptian company, south west of the county headquarters in Renk.

According to him, he said state government from the two percent of the oil remitted to county by the state authorities has contracted a local company in alliance with International Company from Egypt to construct two schools with capacity of eight class rooms and storages against county budget.

Mr. Jok stressed that contractors who use their own materials in the construction process should ensure that they are tested to conform to the required design and standards.

He also said county authorities in collaboration with state ministry of physical infrastructure will not hesitate to ask contractors to demolish structures which do not conform to the original design and specifications.

“When these sheds are constructed, the responsibility will be on Government to maintain them and so we do not want a few months after the project is completed, we start seeing cracks on the building.”

“So I can assure you that if the construction of these sheds will be sub-standard, we will not hesitate to demolish them at the contractors’ cost,” he further said.

The official who seemed concerned said money used for such construction is not a gift but rather a grant which will be deducted from county budget of the two percent share of oil.

He disclosed that local contractors have refused to hire consultancy service saying consultants have a major role to play in the construction process as they are the key to ensuring that contractors do not carry out shoddy works.

He advised local laborers contracted by constructors to ensure that they report for work on time and adhere to the standards practice at work.

“When I was in Khartoum working for Italians roads and bridges construction company, I noted that some workers employed by foreign contractors are in the habit of absconding from work when they get paid.”

They only appear after three to four days or when they have no money in their pockets. This delay completion of the work as time frame in the agreement with local authorities, he said. Rains are coming and we need these buildings be used this year, he said urging contractors to ensure the construction of the sheds is done on time.

He also said Government will not allow extension of the completion time as it is in a hurry to secure usage of the buildings in the forth-coming months.

He said Government has invested a lot of money in the construction of schools and primary health care unit buildings because they are cardinal for the development.

(ST)