Marcel Nkonko’s Post

🏗️𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗟𝗮𝘆𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁. As a professional Quantity Surveyor actively involved in a real estate development project in Karimo, Abuja, I've witnessed firsthand the pivotal role of site layout in ensuring the smooth execution of construction projects. Here's why it's indispensable: 1. 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗨𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: A well-planned site layout optimizes the use of resources. It ensures that materials are stored strategically, reducing handling time and minimizing waste. This careful planning translates into cost savings and enhances productivity on-site. 2. 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: Safety is paramount in construction. A thoughtful site layout includes designated areas for equipment, pathways for workers, and emergency exits. This not only prevents accidents but also fosters a secure working environment, safeguarding both workers and equipment. 3. 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗳𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Effective site layout streamlines workflows. By organizing the site logically, tasks can be executed systematically, reducing delays and bottlenecks. This ensures that each phase of construction progresses smoothly, adhering to timelines and budgets. 4. 𝗘𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Clear and accessible pathways, along with strategically placed information boards, facilitate better communication among teams. This minimizes misunderstandings and promotes efficient coordination, essential for successful project execution. 5. 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: An environmentally conscious site layout minimizes disruption to the surrounding area. By planning for waste disposal, water runoff, and vegetation preservation, we can mitigate the environmental impact of construction activities. In conclusion, a well-designed site layout is the backbone of any construction project. It enhances efficiency, ensures safety, optimizes workflows, promotes clear communication, and respects the environment. As I continue to apply my on-site experiences, I’m committed to sharing valuable insights that highlight the significance of strategic planning in construction. 𝐼'𝑚 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑢 𝐴𝑏𝑑𝑢𝑙𝑟𝑎𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑒𝑑 𝑂𝑙𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑑𝑒 𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑙 𝐸𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑒 |𝑄𝑢𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑆𝑢𝑟𝑣𝑒𝑦𝑜𝑟 |𝐵𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠 +234 807 874 8815 𝑂𝑙𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑑𝑒6175@𝑔𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝑚 #ConstructionInsights #QuantitySurveyor #RealEstateDevelopment #SiteLayout #ProjectManagement #KarimoConstruction #AbujaRealEstate

I learnt from my old man, he is a good contractor, I started working with him when I was in secondary school. He got a project from a client that supervise work by himself, it is a development of fuel station, for those who are familiar with Bariga, Lagos, Nigeria, that same fuel station at new garage near R-Jolad hospital. We are working on rebar placement for the administrative building inside the fuel station. I joined my dad workers to placing rebar on the slab formwork, it is around 60-70 sqm, we finished the rebar work, fast to the day of casting, rich man (the client ) walk up to see the rebar placement and started like: "this gap is too much", the rebar spacing was instructed by my dad to be 9 inches (~230mm). Client insisted that we should do it 6 inches, rich man is not an engineer, the rebar arrangement doesn't have drawing but my Dad is a technical and experienced contractor. Despite all explanation, the client is not convinced that the 9 inches is okay for the rebar arrangement. Thus, we have to loose all the rebar then replace it before concreting. It was really funny that casters are on ground already and arrangement has been made to do the casting that day. The pressure was so much that my Dad have to join us to loose the rebar, as we are tying, the casting is like 1m away from us. It is as if I am part of the casting laborer as my cloth was full with cement slurry. It was a successful job but the tiredness was written on my forehead! That was 2001, my construction work pressure experience is 25 years 😂! Joke apart, I learnt a lot before I decided to be a civil engineer. #Sitework #ifastecheng #construction #projectmanagement #civilengineers #contractors #projectengineer #realestate

🏗️𝗘𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 (11) 𝗘𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗹-𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗟𝗮𝘆𝗼𝘂𝘁. As a resident Quantity Surveyor at a real estate development project in Karimo, Abuja, I've seen firsthand how crucial a well-planned site layout is. A proper site layout isn't just about arranging buildings; it's the backbone of any successful construction project. A good site layout ensures efficient use of space and resources, minimizes delays, and enhances safety. Here are eleven key elements that a standard site layout should include: 1. 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝘀: Clear entrances and exits for vehicles and personnel to avoid congestion and ensure smooth movement. 2. 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲: Designated areas for storing materials close to where they'll be used, reducing transportation time and costs. 3. 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀: Adequate facilities for workers, including rest areas, washrooms, and changing rooms, to maintain productivity and morale. 4. 𝗘𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗭𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀: Specific areas for heavy machinery and tools to ensure they're easily accessible and safely stored. 5. 𝗪𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗮𝗹: Strategically placed waste disposal units to keep the site clean and organized, facilitating proper waste management. 6. 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗥𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗲𝘀: Marked emergency exits and routes to ensure quick evacuation if needed, enhancing site safety. 7. 𝗧𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀: Proper placement of temporary offices, storage units, and other structures to support site operations without hindering progress. 8. 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: Well-planned routes for vehicles and equipment to prevent accidents and ensure efficient site operations. 9. 𝗨𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗟𝗮𝘆𝗼𝘂𝘁: Organized placement of utilities like water, electricity, and sewage systems to ensure smooth installation and maintenance. 10. 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗭𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀: Designated safe zones for workers during hazardous operations, ensuring everyone's safety on-site. 11. 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘀: Strategically positioned security posts to monitor and control access, ensuring the safety and security of materials and personnel. As a Quantity Surveyor, my role involves ensuring that the site layout is optimized for efficiency and cost-effectiveness. By carefully planning and constantly reviewing the site layout, we can avoid potential issues and keep the project on track. 𝐼'𝑚 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑢 𝐴𝑏𝑑𝑢𝑙𝑟𝑎𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑒𝑑 𝑂𝑙𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑑𝑒 𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑙 𝐸𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑒 |𝑄𝑢𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑆𝑢𝑟𝑣𝑒𝑦𝑜𝑟 |𝐵𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠 +234 807 874 8815 𝑂𝑙𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑑𝑒6175@𝑔𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝑚 #ConstructionInsights #QuantitySurveyor #RealEstateDevelopment #SiteLayout #ProjectManagement #KarimoConstruction #AbujaRealEstate

The past holds a powerful influence over our present and future, shaping our perceptions, behaviors, and opportunities. Highlighting the complexity of past experiences and their potential impact on success. I recall vividly On August 1, 2022, while supervising a construction project (16 Units of Tri-plex terraces) in Life camp, Abuja, a tragic incident occurred on the site. A cantilever beam, crucial for supporting loads, nearly failed due to the removal of temporary supports (Bamboos) for the formworks by the labourers (Man Waka) to adjust and place their concrete machine closer to the building while casting the first floor slab was in progress. I quickly ordered acrow jacks and employed my carpenters to fix the beam. After removing the shutters we noticed the beam lost alignment and straightness we carried out a Compressive Stress test and it passed. This lesson also highlights the importance of meticulous planning and swift action in construction projects. Despite being discouraged and disappointed by management, I remember most of my colleagues talked down on me including my Boss, but i continued and fixed the challenge, though I lost my self-confidence which affected me for a while until I went to another company where I was being celebrated. The past can significantly impact our personality. Past experiences, self-perception, fear of failure, and limited resources can hinder talent and skill development. Growing up, environment, and relationships also shape success. Overcoming these barriers requires self-awareness, resilience, and challenging beliefs to reach full potential.#DropyourPast #Engineering #Construction #Supervision #learnlesson #selfconfidence #Selfawareness #Experience

Local contractors in Papua New Guinea (PNG) involved in civil engineering and infrastructure development face several significant difficulties and hardships that can impact their operations and project success. Some of the key issues include: 1. Landowner Issues *Land Rights Conflicts: Many projects require access to land that may have ambiguous ownership rights. Disputes among landowners or between landowners and companies can lead to project delays. *Expectation of Compensation: Local landowners often expect fair compensation for the use of their land, leading to negotiations that can be lengthy and complicated. *Community Engagement: Effective communication and relationship building with local communities are essential, as failure to involve landowners properly can result in protests or disruptions to operations. 2. Equipment Breakdown Issues *Limited Access to Spare Parts: Due to the remote locations of many projects, obtaining spare parts for construction equipment can be challenging and may lead to extended downtime. *Maintenance Challenges: Inadequate maintenance facilities and services in rural areas can exacerbate equipment issues, leading to costly repair delays. *Skilled Labor Shortages: There can be a lack of skilled technicians for maintaining and repairing complex machinery, which affects operational efficiency. 3. Logistics Issues *Transport Infrastructure: PNG's rugged terrain and underdeveloped transport infrastructure can complicate logistics, making it difficult to transport materials and equipment to job sites. *Supply Chain Disruptions: Poor road conditions and inadequate transport systems can lead to delays in the delivery of essential materials, impacting project timelines. *Remote Project Locations: Many infrastructure projects are located in remote areas, increasing logistical challenges such as securing transportation services and managing fuel supplies. 4. Safety Issues for Employees *Hazardous Working Conditions: The nature of construction work often exposes employees to various hazards, including poor site conditions and the risk of accidents due to inadequate safety protocols. *Lack of Safety Training: There may be a shortage of comprehensive safety training programs for local workers, leading to higher risks of workplace injuries. *Emergency Response Capabilities: In remote locations, access to emergency medical services can be limited, which poses risks to employees in case of accidents or health emergencies. Conclusion Overall, local contractors in PNG must navigate a complex landscape of social, logistical, and technical challenges that can hinder their ability to complete civil engineering and infrastructure projects successfully. Effective project management, community engagement, and investment in training and resources are essential for overcoming these difficulties and ensuring sustainable development.

🏗️📊𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 𝗼𝗳 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀. As a resident Quantity Surveyor on an active real estate development site in Karimo, Abuja FCT, Nigeria, I experience daily the critical role a Program of Work plays in the success of any construction project. It’s more than just a schedule—it’s the essential framework that holds the entire project together. A Program of Work is essentially a detailed timeline that outlines every step, milestone, and deadline. It's not just a piece of paper; it's the map that guides us through the complex journey of construction. Here’s why it’s indispensable: 1. 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: It provides a clear path for the entire team. From the architects and engineers to the laborers on the ground, everyone knows what needs to be done and when. This clarity prevents confusion and ensures that everyone is working towards the same goals. 2. 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: Resources, both human and material, are limited and costly. The Program of Work helps in allocating these resources efficiently. It allows us to plan for the timely delivery of materials and ensure that the right people are available at the right time, avoiding costly delays. 3. 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗸 𝗠𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Construction projects are fraught with potential risks. Whether it’s unexpected weather conditions or unforeseen technical challenges, having a Program of Work allows us to anticipate and prepare for these risks, minimizing their impact. 4. 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴: It’s vital to measure progress against the plan. Regularly reviewing the Program of Work helps in identifying any deviations from the schedule early on. This enables corrective actions to be taken promptly, keeping the project on track. 5. 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲: A well-structured Program of Work builds client confidence. It shows that we are organized, prepared, and serious about delivering on our promises. It’s a testament to our professionalism and commitment to excellence. As a Quantity Surveyor, my job is to meticulously plan and follow this crucial document, ensuring our projects are executed smoothly and efficiently. This leads to the successful completion of projects, meeting deadlines, staying within budget, and ultimately achieving client satisfaction. Stay tuned as I continue to share more from our site at Karimo, bringing you closer to the intricate world of construction.

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