Redesigning and construction of Kasana HC IV, Luweero District

Abstract

Good health is instrumental in facilitating socio-economic transformation. Over the years, Uganda has made some progress in improving the health conditions of its population including the people of Luweero District. In order to achieve the 2040 Uganda Vision on Health, Luwero District Local Government embarked on the construction of a 100 bed ward. The ward comprised of a two level structure (ground and first floor levels) roofed with iron sheets. It was an L-shaped structure with staircase access on either end of the building and a centrally placed ramp-access for the disabled persons at the rear section of the reception. The author’s role on the project included collection of field DCP data using the available DCP equipment in the Works Department, prepare BoQs and partially be involved in the design phase guided by the consultant. In the implementation phase, all the project management functions on behalf of the client were entirely vested in the author. These management functions included work supervision, work measurement and certification for CAO’s approval. Geotechnical Investigation and structural integrity tests were carried out on the existing structure using Makerere University Soil Mechanics Laboratory with the objective of determining the material properties of the soil in order to compute the bearing capacity which would consequently help to determine the maximum number of levels (floors) the existing foundation could handle. The field exploratory activities were conducted in accordance with BS 5930: 1999 “Code of Practice for Site Investigations” which mainly included performing of the DCP test. Rebound Hammer (Schmidt) Test were carried out on critical existing structural elements. Results generally showed that the ground consistency for the trial pit was predominantly stiff. The least value of the bearing capacity at the founding depth was chosen to be the design the bearing capacity of the soil. Through iterative design the maximum load the existing footings could safely handle at the design bearing capacity was found to be ground plus four suspended floors. The proposed structure was thus designed with 5 main levels accessed by a ramp and two staircases. The Construction system chosen for this structure was the conventional reinforced Concrete Frame with load transfer from ribbed slabs to Reinforced concrete beams, columns and finally concrete pad footings. In the procurement phase, open national bidding procurement method approved by the contracts committee was used. The evaluation method used was Technical Compliance Selection (TCS) which involved preliminary analysis, Technical and Financial Evaluation procedures. The lowest evaluated bidder, DALA WARE (U) LIMITED, was ranked best and was recommended for award of the contract at a contract price of UGX 445,054,747/= (Four Hundred Forty Five Million Fifty Four Thousand Seven Hundred Forty Seven Shillings) only. The implementation of this project is carried out annually depending on the availability and source of funds. It was commissioned in 2012 however due to the meagre resources and the subsequent redesigning process, the implementation was halted for two years. This financial year 2017/2018, Luweero DLG received 450,000,000/= (Four Hundred and Fifty Million Shillings) for partial implementation with DDEG and PHC as source of funds. An OHSE plan was put into place with the aim of promoting Health, Safety & Environment of persons affiliated to the project and the general public. This OHSE prescribed rules, procedures and safe practices in order to create a working environment free of condition and factors that might contribute to accidents or injury /Illness. Lack of Skilled Workers, Poor Scheduling of Resources, Lack of Proper Communication, Poor Document Management and Poor Financial Management were some of the challenges that were experienced on this project. Finally for better management of projects, Information Technology should be incorporated in project management. Information Technology is very useful since it provides templates which address all the above challenges faced during the execution of works.