Bezmarkconsulteng.ltd

25/01/2025

A good way to start the year, is to start on site!.... Engage BEZMARKCONSULTNG

30/10/2023

TALES OF ABANDONED PROJECTS IN NIGERIA (PART 3)

Did you know that and abandoned structure leaves the environment worse than it met it?
The adverse effect of abandoned structures on the environment are quite too numerous to mention.

The following are some of the effects of abandoned structures on the environment;

1) BREEDING GROUND FOR MOSQUITOES:

Hard concrete surfaces, especially in slabs, store stagnant water for a time long enough to allow breeding of mosquitoes.This is because concrete surfaces does not permit water to be easily absorbed and dry off after rainfall. The dampness or moistness of the surfaces provide the right temperature for insects to store and hatch their eggs. Well, we all know what mosquitoes are capable of doing to the inhabitants of the environs.

2) HIDING PLACE FOR DEADLY REPTILES AND RODENTS:

Overgrown structures provides a condusive habitat for Snakes, scorpions, rats, bats and so on. These are very dangerous animals that can cause severe harm to humans when they come in contact with people. Having such close to occupied residential houses exposes occupants to these pests. They would readily migrate to occupied buildings in search of food leftovers. There have been incidents of food poisoning, poison from snake or scorpion bites, and so on.

3) CIRCULATION OF OFFENSIVE SMELLS:

Because of the secluded nature of abandoned structures, most people find it a sufficient shelter for excretory activities. Eventually the stench from the excreted waste products gets mixed with air that would have otherwise been fresh and nourishing. This mix produces a discomforting atmosphere for residents in the area.

4) INTRODUCES FURTHER DEGRADATION:

When a project is abandoned, and already done work is left unprotected, the level of damage it does to the environment often surpasses the level it was before the project. For instance, a road project abandoned will likely give room for erosion of the untarred area, through which the tarred part wilould soon begin to fail. Sand filling beneath and on both sides of drainages could be washed off, and cause eventual collapse of the drains, and when the drains are not functional, the road can not survive the floods. The aftermath is usually an eyesore.

Isn't it just better to sell off, lease, build operate and transfer, or build and lease the properties? However, whichever contractual arrangement we adopt, let the goal be that THE PROJECT MUST BE COMPLETED!...

22/08/2023

TALES OF ABANDONED PROJECTS (Part 2)

When a project is conceived, what it means is that a NEED was born, and until the conceived project idea is fully brought to life and translated to a tangible reality, the envisaged/ pressing NEED would not be met. Hence, the void created by that need would remain, unfilled, unsatisfied, and stagnated.

An a abandoned project, often depicts a tell tale of failure, killed dreams, compromised destiny, woeful and wasted efforts and socio economic strangulation.

On the scale of 1 to 100, over 80% of those whose project is abandoned who be very pleased to have it completed, if they had the well with all. Most times, projects are abandoned because the client(s) lack the means, in terms of finance, technical capacity, political stability and environmental compatibility, to do so.

However, the GOOD NEWS is that in construction, especially with the help of modern technology, almost anything is possible. Any project can be completed and made to serve out it's full potential and essence, if only the client can must the moral will to do so.

Knowledge is power, and Information is currency. If only owners of these abandoned facilities will know and be liberal enough to accept various contractual arrangements and collaborations that can be adopted to foster fast and effective completion of the project.

Adopting a suitable contractual arrangement, will help the client complete the project and enjoy all the benefit the project could offer.

Contractual arrangements are peculiar to various projects, and the client requires a seasoned QUANTITY SURVEYOR to recommend to him the most profitable one to adopt.

CLASSES OF ABANDONED PROJECTS AND BEST REMEDIAL MEASURES

1. GOVERNMENT PROJECTS: These are projects being funded by Federal, State or Local governments or their parastatal. Often, these projects are affected by change in government and their policies. Hence, it is highly recommended that most of these projects are concessionalised. This way, the funding of the project will not be a problem, going forward, once the reigning government have met their part of the project agreement. It is important also, that in situations whereby the government can not afford the counterpart funding of the project, the option of privatization should be explored. Again, the design of the project can be adjusted to conform to the budget of the financiers if the funding is a problem. This is far better then wasting the space mapped out for the project, without any meaningful and functional structure built on it.

2. PRIVATE PROJECTS: These projects are owned by private individuals. They range from malls, filling stations, shopping complex, parks, schools, office complex, banks, factories and so on. In the event whereby these projects are stopped halfway, for certain reasons, all efforts must be made to keep the facility operational by completing it via certain measures such as;

* LEASE out to persons who can convert the property to a more proper use.

*OUTRIGHT SALE of the property to another individual or groups who have the capacity to complete and operate the facility.

*PARTNERSHIP agreement with other relevant bodies with similar interests in the venture. Sharing of profit from the Investment can be agreed by percentage.

RECOMMENDATIONS

In view, of seeking lasting solution to the problem of abandoned projects across Nigeria, the following recommendations have been made for possible consideration ;

1) GOVERNMENT POLICIES should be made to ensure that all projects that have remained fallow for a given period of time should either be revoked, or refurbished by government, if the owner(s) are unable to meet agreed deadline to either complete or lease. This process could serve better than demolishing the structure.

2) CONCESSION arrangement should be encouraged and promoted to apply not only to public projects, but to private projects as well.

3) MORTGAGE firms should wade in to support struggling projects, by having a far reaching agreement with private owners of projects, to enable completion and maximization of profit from the project.

4) PROFESSIONALS IN CONSTRUCTION industry must be involved in every project and regulatory bodies must ensure that every project is given a timeline and that it conforms to that timeline.

Bezmarkconsulteng.ltdb offers a wide range of consulting in procurement of projects, from planning to ex*****on. We help to ensure that your project delivery is seamless and effective. Engage .ltd for your Contract and project procurement. Call/WhatsApp: 08038680387, e-mail: [email protected]



P.S: Attached are images of gory sights of projects laying waste across Nigeria.

21/08/2023

Onitsha River Port Receives First Commercial Barges
It is expected to herald a weekly occurrence of 600 tons of tiles to Onitsha and 600 tons of clay back to Ajaokuta.
https://www.arise.tv/onitsha-river-port-receives-first-commercial-barges

17/08/2023

TALES OF ABANDONED PROJECTS (Part 1)

In the built environment, abandoned projects constitute a major slight to the beauty and splendor of structural development of a given vicinity. Imagine driving through an array of sky scr**ers, stretch of resplendent malls, an assortment of modern buildings and innfrastures, then your eye catches a few delapidating, fungi infested, algae coated walls, collapsed roofs and roof members, unrendered and unfinished structures... immediately, that euphoria of ecstatic excitement kindled by pleasant views, is distorted for a moment. You will begin to wish those structures were finishes and functional. You may even go ahead to wonder and imagine the beauty it would have added to the environment, the activities that could have been taking place in them, the economic vitality it would add to the society.... then finally, you begin to wonder WHY(?!!!) ARE THESE PROJECTS NOT FINISHED???????🤔🤔🤔

There are two main classifications of the reason for abandoned projects;

1) Natural factors

2) Artificial factors

NATURAL CAUSES of abandoned projects consist of : Demise of Client, Incapacitation of client (sickness, loss of means of income etc), Weather/environmental challenges, Conflicts/Crises situations etc. These challenges are usually not anticipated at inception of the project, and are therefore not usually planned for. In the event of any of these factors, it may take a very long time to continue and finish the project. And in worse cases they never get completed for life.

ARTIFICIAL CAUSES of abandoned projects include: Underestimation, Poor management of costs, Non compliance with government policies and regulations, Litigations (disputes between client and contractor, or host community), structural failures, Inflation, Slow funding of project budget, and sudden decision by the client to discontinue the project. These factors here a mainly self inflicted as they could possibly by anticipated and avoided at inception of the project. However, this issues arise basically when the client or contractor fail to hire a qualified QUANTITY SURVEYOR to help with the procurement of the project from start to finish. All factors listed above are areas where the quantity surveyors are trained to intervene, from Cost management (planning and controlling costs), to alternative dispute resolution, to clear contractual terms and agreement, these are all where the QS shines.

EFFECTS OF ABANDONED PROJECTS

1) LOSS OF LIVELIHOOD; When a project is abandoned, the first direct victims are the workforce earning a living from the life of construction activities going on on site. They will lose a means of income. Also, the employment the project would have created if completed would be forestalled. Beginning from caretakers, agents, gate men, domestic/office staffs etc. The client would have also lost a source of steady income, or an investment that will help the land appreciate in value.

2) EYESORE TO A BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPE; An abandoned project is never beautiful to the sight. It is distasteful especially when placed in the midst of developed and flourishing structures. It is a tell tale of failure, poor planning and irresponsibility. Mildly put, abandoned projects does not contribute to a neat environment.

3) SECURITY THREAT; It us well known, that in this clime, abandoned building serve as hide out, hang out, or den of criminals, where illicit activities are carried out such as drug abuse, r**e, kidnapping, ritual killing, and storage of stolen items. Often, you'll never know the evil that goes on in an abandoned building until you summon the courage to go into it. A community that has lots of abandoned buildings in it, is not safe.

4) POTENTIAL HAZARD; A decaying or abandoned project posses a danger to residents in the vicinity. It may collapse and cause harm or kill people around it. Someone may accidentally run into a delicate part of it an get harmed. We have heard of kids or even adults falling into abandoned underground tanks, mines, canals, pools, tunnels etc. It is usually fatal when this happens.

5) LOST OPPORTUNITY FOR ECONOMIC PROSPERITY; A functional project attracts a beehive of activities that engender economic prosperity among the populace living in that area and their extended associates. For every abandoned project lying fallow, there is an opportunity for multi dimensional economic activities being killed or stagnated.

PREVENTION OF ABANDONED PROJECTS

1) Proper Reconnaissance of Project Site and vicinity to ascertain nature and history of site. To avoid surprise land slide, ground movement or collapse, vicious and hostile neighbors/neighborhood. If these are determined a move can be made to resolve them before commencement of project. And if it proves beyond the capacity of the client, he might as well forgo the idea of embarking on the project.

2) Hire a qualified QS to generate a predetermined cost for the project, and engage him to manage the project cost. The quantity surveyor however add flexible allowances for fluctuations. The quantity surveyor must draft clear contractual agreements, and ensure to resolve all disputes without recourse to litigation.

3) All prevailing government regulations must be considered and adhered to, especially urban planning master plan. Again, building standards and codes must be traditionally practiced as applies to the structure and as practiced in the region under which it is being executed.

4) Attention must be given to excellent building ethics and practices to achieve a strong and reliable structure.

5) Above all, it is imperative to design to a cost, than to cost to a design. This implies that the client must have an idea of the cost implications of his conceived choice of design before embarking on design. Knowing his financial capacity and the likely cost of his choice design will help him make informed decision as to whether to proceed or to tune down the magnitude of his taste, as far as his conceived design is concerned. Don't commence a project except you have a clear cut plan to complete it.

6) Bezmarkconsulteng.ltd would offer any kind or level of contract and project procurement services at very good and flexible fees. For the success of your project, engage BEZMARK CONSULT. Mail: [email protected]. call/whatsapp: 08038680387.

PS: My next article will be on how we can revive, restore and reintegrate abandoned projects in Nigeria (both government and private projects).

14/08/2023

LANDSCAPING: NATURAL GROUND LEVEL/FINAL GROUND LEVEL

Natural ground levels often refer to the existing ground level before the commencement of construction works. Final ground level is the finished ground surface after q construction work is done.

Every construction work begins from the existing ground level. To attain a more professional finish on the landscape of the project site, the site engineer must keep in mind the desired final ground level.

Keeping final ground level in view, would guide the engineer to determine an appropriate invert levels for all excavations, vis a vis, topsoil removal, trench excavation etc.

It is important to note that the final ground level must correctly and properly intersect with existing ground levels of surrounding landscapes. This will help prevent the problems reversed or stagnated flow of surface runoff flood water.

Also, considering vehicular navigation, even connection of final ground level on site to existing road levels would reduce encumbrances of vehicular navigation on roads.

A project is not totally successful until the final ground level is well connected to the ground level of the surrounding environment.

Again, it is also necessary to anticipate any future modifications to the surrounding landscapes, so as not to finish below or too high above the prospective adjoining roads.

Hence, every builder must know that the final ground level of your site must NOT be considered in isolation of the immediate environment.

gives prim and proper landscaping. Yes, we have the experience , we know our craft.

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Bezmarkconsulteng.ltd

25/07/2023

THESE DAYS WHO WANTS TO PAY FOR VALUE?
It is a known fact that a quality, and standard building projects cuts sufficient chunk of the clients budget.

Interestingly, I have heard lots of clients say, "ah, this bill is high o, I know somebody who will build it for far less the amount o!", after we've sent a bill across.

I sense that, most clients these days seem to be retreating to the enclave of self help. Yes, inflation bites hard in the country, but then we've got serve the interest and safety of the users of the property.

Truth is there is not short cut to quality delivery of building project.

Believe it or not, a Quantity Surveyor, Builder, Architect and Civil Engineer possess, based on individuals practical experience and training, sufficient expertise in effective delivery of building projects.

This is because, as professionals in the field, they (expectedly) possess adequate knowledge of building codes, standards, and effective approach to neat and quality project delivery.

Therefore, Mr. Client, the best you can do is tell us how much you have (your budget), we will advice you appropriately, as regards design, span of project time cash flow, material procurement etc. This will help you seamlessly afford your dream edifice at a most cost efficient model, without any form of compromise to quality.

That marson man who is tirelessly poking you by the side today, and saying to you "oga, dont worry, I go do am cheap for you!", will only eventually arm himself well enough with your money, to lock horns with you tomorrow.

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21/07/2023

08/07/2023

15/06/2023

DEAR MR. PRIVATE DEVELOPER..

Before you say, that the bill is too costly, did you take time to check the specifications??? 🙃

Did you even give uniform specifications to the bidding contractors, or they are all coming with individual specifications. 😃

Have you considered those specifications, that your "lowest cost bill", does their specifications meet building standard?🤔

You see sir, it is one thing to have a low cost bill, it is another thing to have a cost effective bill. 🧐

Please sir, if you don't have a seasoned Quantity Surveyor by your side sir, don't dismiss bill you think are costly, just by "face level" evaluation.😏

For instance a bill that provides for ground Beams will definitely be higher than that which didn't. And guess what, you need that with ground beam because it will ensure your building lasts.🤷🏽‍♂️

Did you know that that building you completed today looking all radiant and majestic can crack tomorrow and you will spend the rest of the building's life patching and re-patching? 😓

With all due respect sir, you are not a construction expert, thus allow me to advice you.😁

First, If you have a trusted engineer/builder, don't allow Interlopers meddle, it will affect your sense of judgement.😬

Secondly, if you have decided to award the contract to a trusted contractor, don't give room for more bidding, you will be bombarded with bids that can confuse you.😖😤

Thirdly, if you must allow bidding by more contractors, sit with them one after the other to review and evaluate each bill, and make sure you have an idea of construction. Else, employ the help of a QS.🤵🏽

Fourth,and Finally, just stamp it on your mind, that the cheapest bill does not necessarily translate to the best bill.🙄

Heed these advice and thank me later,sir.😜

09/06/2023

DOCUMENTATION IN SMALL PROJECTS- Taming Recalcitrant Clients. (Part 2)

Since there was no tangible document binding my client and I in a common agreement on contract terms, he was able to conveniently renege on our agreement, and deny all previous gentleman agreement we had.

I regretted not having a signed agreement. I could neither take any litigative action, nor fight them physically. No arbitrary measure would suffice, as the client's main intent was to exploit and cheat, no matter the facts and reason put forward, they'd rather stick to their guns.

In the end, I was disarmed and defeated. I begged the client to add a some more money to the previously agreed contract sum, to enable me complete the suspended concrete floor, however with a promise that the amount added will be discounted from subsequent works we would be executing (first, second and third floor).
It was at this point that we had our agreement written and signed.🤷🏽‍♂️

I tell this story to illustrate, a clear situation that may arise in absence of written agreement to seal the contract deal. A lot of client would prefer to have things to be informal. Infact, people may feel that it suggests distrust, when a written agreement is suggested by either party, but it is actually for their own protection.

Frankly speaking, to have a seamless contract administration, it is important to have all agreements, specifications, and requirements well documented, regardless of who is involved. IT HELPS.👍

💪💪💪