Upgrading of Kikandwa and Buseregenyu Health Centre IIs to Health Centre IIIs

Abstract

This report details the construction methodology and the positive aspects of construction project management exercised by the author and the project team at large while part of the team that implemented upgrading of Kikandwa and Buseregenyu Health Cenre IIs to IIIs by Kassanda District Local Government.

It details contract administration during execution stage and the application of project management knowledge areas during project implementation. The knowledge areas discussed at length include cost, quality, time and communication management. The construction methodology adopted by the contractor at every stage of the works has also been discussed at length in this report. Chapter one of the report gives an introduction and general information about the project; briefly discussing the background, objectives, funders, scope etc. In Chapter two of the report, the construction methodologies, activities and contract administration procedures undertaken during execution of the project are given. Chapter three describes the project management knowledge used during execution and administration of the contract. Chapter four discusses the entire project in the context of the prevailing conditions of construction industry and makes recommendations on what improvements should have been done to improve the implementation of the project. Construction supervision for this project was undertaken jointly by the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Works and Transport and Kassanda District Local Government. The author as the District Engineer for Kassanda District, was the project manager for this project and was responsible for the day to day supervision and approval of the contractor’s works at the site. The actual construction works took place between April 2019 and December 2019. During implementation, the author appreciated that; in order to have a successful project, a deliberate positive effort should be put by all the parties involved and competency should be exercised in handling project related issues. Involvement of all the stakeholders cannot be over emphasized if projects are to be implemented smoothly.

Construction projects often involve a variety of skills that come from the diversity of professionals, specialists and suppliers that are involved in the process from inception to close out. Successful implementation of a construction project can only be achieved if good project management practices and systems are put in place and allowed to work. It is important that an enabling environment is maintained to encourage project participants to follow and use these systems. A lapse in project control, monitoring and management systems will ultimately affect the implementation of the project and can easily result in budget & time overruns and even affect the quality of the work. Of course this leads to loss in value; to the client in terms of potential income, to the contractor in penalties loss to government in terms of potential tax revenue.