Dingswayo
JF-Expert Member
- May 26, 2009
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- 2,930
Hitch caused by `poor`construction material
Part of the rooftop of Terminal-III building, which is still under construction at Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) in Dar es Salaam, crumpled last week, posing a security threat to the workers on site.
It was the first incident of its kind since the two-phased project kicked off in January, last year, but Director General of the Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA), Eng. Suleiman Suleiman, described it as "too minor to deserve public attention."
However, he has reportedly given the contractor, Bam International Construction Company, a two-week ultimatum to release a report over the 6-metre affected area, amid fears that the crash might entirely destroy the 75,000 square-metre terminal structure.
Pending results from a probe team while the non-affected portion has already been inspected by a team of engineers as required by the terms of contract, Engineer Suleiman suspected faulty bolts as the cause of the collapse, noting that the detected hitches would be communicated back to the manufacturers and suppliers.
"Usually, samples from all imported building materials are tested to ensure they are up to required standards. It might be that the failed bolts were not tested since not all materials are taken to the testing site," he said.
"It is up to the contractors to take appropriate measures against the manufacturers and suppliers of the substandard construction material.
What we need is the handover of a perfectly accomplished project according to the terms of the contract," said the TAA chief in response to a question as to what would happen if the construction materials were of poor quality.
"That's why the contractor is paid only after completion of the project and with the approval of construction experts," he noted, adding that the terms also required the contractor to remain in the country a year after handing over the project.
The Guardian on Sunday had responded to a tip-off by a concerned worker who, like others, feared for his life following the collapse in a situation they alleged was short of social security as they even had no insurance cover.
But it was later established that Bam had adhered to all basic safety standards, including provision of safety gear, and placement of instruction banners across the site.
"They don't have to be worried for their safety. The working environment is safe, information well-communicated and the situation closely monitored," said the TAA boss, while pointing at a temporary Safety Unit building and a stand-by ambulance at the site.
Bam officials declined to comment as they directed the reporter to TAA for any information.
Terminal 3, a 75,000-square-metre complex five times bigger than Terminal-2, will be served by 40 counters, equipped with 18 air bridges and designed to dock gigantic A380 Airbus planes.
Completion of the ambitious project will see JNIA playing the role of Tanzania's main international gateway as passenger annual turn out will be increased to 6 million.
The construction of Terminal 3 is done in two phases including the Sh293bn phase one scheduled for completion next year to handle 3.5 million passengers annually, and the Sh225bn phase two scheduled to accommodate 2.5 million travelers on its completion in 2017.
The project is in place thanks to the Dutch-government guaranteed loan from HSBC Bank through Export Credit Agency and 15 per cent financial involvement from the local CRDB Bank.
SOURCE: GUARDIAN ON SUNDAY
Part of the rooftop of Terminal-III building, which is still under construction at Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) in Dar es Salaam, crumpled last week, posing a security threat to the workers on site.
It was the first incident of its kind since the two-phased project kicked off in January, last year, but Director General of the Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA), Eng. Suleiman Suleiman, described it as "too minor to deserve public attention."
However, he has reportedly given the contractor, Bam International Construction Company, a two-week ultimatum to release a report over the 6-metre affected area, amid fears that the crash might entirely destroy the 75,000 square-metre terminal structure.
Pending results from a probe team while the non-affected portion has already been inspected by a team of engineers as required by the terms of contract, Engineer Suleiman suspected faulty bolts as the cause of the collapse, noting that the detected hitches would be communicated back to the manufacturers and suppliers.
"Usually, samples from all imported building materials are tested to ensure they are up to required standards. It might be that the failed bolts were not tested since not all materials are taken to the testing site," he said.
"It is up to the contractors to take appropriate measures against the manufacturers and suppliers of the substandard construction material.
What we need is the handover of a perfectly accomplished project according to the terms of the contract," said the TAA chief in response to a question as to what would happen if the construction materials were of poor quality.
"That's why the contractor is paid only after completion of the project and with the approval of construction experts," he noted, adding that the terms also required the contractor to remain in the country a year after handing over the project.
The Guardian on Sunday had responded to a tip-off by a concerned worker who, like others, feared for his life following the collapse in a situation they alleged was short of social security as they even had no insurance cover.
But it was later established that Bam had adhered to all basic safety standards, including provision of safety gear, and placement of instruction banners across the site.
"They don't have to be worried for their safety. The working environment is safe, information well-communicated and the situation closely monitored," said the TAA boss, while pointing at a temporary Safety Unit building and a stand-by ambulance at the site.
Bam officials declined to comment as they directed the reporter to TAA for any information.
Terminal 3, a 75,000-square-metre complex five times bigger than Terminal-2, will be served by 40 counters, equipped with 18 air bridges and designed to dock gigantic A380 Airbus planes.
Completion of the ambitious project will see JNIA playing the role of Tanzania's main international gateway as passenger annual turn out will be increased to 6 million.
The construction of Terminal 3 is done in two phases including the Sh293bn phase one scheduled for completion next year to handle 3.5 million passengers annually, and the Sh225bn phase two scheduled to accommodate 2.5 million travelers on its completion in 2017.
The project is in place thanks to the Dutch-government guaranteed loan from HSBC Bank through Export Credit Agency and 15 per cent financial involvement from the local CRDB Bank.
SOURCE: GUARDIAN ON SUNDAY
