The solution
SMEC mobilised a multi-disciplined team of experts, familiar with local and regional standards, and with the requisite knowledge and capacity to manage quality on the project. The team was able to establish a “Trusted Advisor” relationship with the client who understood that any interventions and recommendations made were in the interest of the project. Specific value-adds included:
- Mobilisation within a short period of time to meet the fast-track delivery schedule
- Establishment of QA/QC protocols to facilitate controlled and efficient quality management processes on a fast-track project running a 24-hour/ 7-day per week construction schedule.
Five separate construction teams were established, each with its own scope on a different section of the Expressway. One of SMEC’s primary roles was to ensure that the same standards of quality were adhered to throughout the sections, and that appropriate measures were taken to ensure public safety throughout the project site.
The impact
This project was successfully completed in 18 months, six months ahead of schedule, with a limited number of instances of major quality and safety issues.
The expressway is part of the northern corridor that provides passage to 85% of the cargo destined for neighbouring landlocked countries, such as Uganda, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan. The benefits that are expected from this expressway include improved connectivity for the transport of goods, services and people between Nairobi and the entire northern corridor. It’s also expected to ease the flow of traffic through the city and significantly reduce response time to emergencies as it contains dedicated emergency lanes on either side.