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C RE ON VI ST EW RU & CT N IO EW N S
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MAGAZINE • WEBSITE
East Africa
The journal of the built environment
CEA Vol.25 No.12 2017 www.constructioneastafrica.com
A COUNTRY IS JUST AS BIG AS ITS INFRASTRUCTURE
6th
Annivesary
14
WHY CONDUCT A BUILDING SURVEY 6 Reason for Conducting a Building Audit?
BROKEN BOTTLES OR RAZOR WIRE?
SECURE YOUR HOME 18
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT 28
PUMPS! Bathroom Luxury • Clever ways to add OOMPH to your toilet
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Construction East Africa - 3
Construction East Africa: Publisher Bedan Chege Managing Editor Mary Migichi Financial Controller Eng. Ingrind Vaughan Editors Peter Fairhead John Kaloki Millicent Aketch Oyoo Office Administrator Edith Amondi Reporters Ruth Angwenyi Thomas Mulandi Pious Ogoma Johnson Camel Orita Jackson Special Correspondent Prof. Owino Akeyo
Construction East Africa: Why Conduct a Building Survey A building audit is a way of ensuring that your building meets current building standards.
14. NCA Marks 6th Anniversary NCA’s policy centre that will deal with any construction issues from one office. 28. What Yous should know about Pumps! Though history is always subject to speculation as to its
Effy Obado Advertising Executives Evans Onyango
Features: 6.
Marketing Manager
Luke Gitonga Philip Wekesa
accuracy, we have a reasonable history of water pumps. 18. Securing Your Home Broken Bottles or Razor Wire? 22. Lifts & Elevators LIFTS help prove the adage that what goes up must come down. 26. Disputes & Their Resolutions What is Construction? Who are the major players in the industry? How are disputes created?
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Design & Layout Mackenzie Circulation Assistants Charles Wachira James Jalango Quality Assuarance Oliver Gupta Eng. Peter M. Kisemi Office Assistants Catherine Oyoma Ann Wafula Technical Assistant Simon Kiboi Printed by World Magic Printers Published by Ecomax Global Tel: +254 722 889 763 Email: info@constructioneastafrica.com Registered at the GPO as a Newspaper. A product of Construction press service ŠCopyright 2014 : Reproduction of any article in part or in full is strictly prohibited without written permission from Construction Press Service
Editorial
Democratic space is widening each day and with it back rolling impunity; the curse, wrath and rot that was about to sink this great land.
Hope & High Expectations
in the air for Kenya, Horn of Africa
Reading this edition one is bound to feel rather joyous. You know, it’s like this side of the continent is about to burst in to new immense glory – what with all the infrastructural trappings of LAPSSET, Konza City, The Turkana Oil find and Southern Bypass among others. Right in our backyard the Southern Bypass meant to redirect traffic and decongest Mombasa Road has been launched. A great relief for the motorist. The future sounds even more glamorous at the Visualization of Konza City – Alas! the Silicon Valley of Kenya. With a government working almost correctly now that it has a formula in the form of a new constitution, Kenya is destined for one great future. Democratic space is widening each day and with it back rolling impunity; the curse, wrath and rot that was about to sink this great land. Our hopes and expectations are raised even higher when we read of institutions such as KEBS and UES Ltd. The Kenya Bureau of Standards has come along away and has authoritatively stood as a body for quality regulations, embracing international standards which have made Kenyan goods acceptable
worldwide. Its systems have continued to shield gullible consumers from greedy traders. The Universal Engineering Systems Ltd Silver Jubilee anniversary in our last issue feature is a sweet story of success, hard work and integrity. The story is nothing but inspiration exemplifying what diligence, trust, commitment and devotion can produce. From
us the publishers it’s Kudos! to them. Our only prayer is that many more companies will emulate this trend. Our gist in this issue just like all others in the past is infrastructure. This is the key word since we strongly believe that a country can only be as big as its Infrastructure. Enjoy your reading.
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Industry News
Why Conduct a Building Survey
A building audit is a way of ensuring that your building meets current building standards. This building could be a private dwelling or it could be a residential set of units, townhouses, office block, commercial block, and so on.
Why Conduct a Building Audit?
The audit involves visually checking a building in order to report on its overall condition. Generally, the audit will cover the structural condition of the building, any areas that may require current or future repairs, the safety of the building, if there are any hazardous
materials present (such as asbestos), and what condition the mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems are in. Building audits are conducted by independent professionals that have no bias, such as building consultants, building inspectors or resident architects.
Reasons for Getting a Building Audit
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There are several benefits to getting a building audit. Firstly, you will be able to see the true condition of a building. This is important if you are thinking about selling a property as you’ll see what repairs are necessary in order to get you the best sale price. Alternatively, if you are thinking about buying a property, you’ll be able to see exactly what condition it is in.
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It is advisable to conduct building audits periodically to ensure that your structures are safe for the people that live in them.
If you are building a new home or other residential structure, having building audits done during the construction phase will help you to see that the work is completed to all of the standards set out by the Building Code of Kenya, as well as ensure that construction materials used conform to Kenya Bureau of Standards (KBS) specifications. This is important, as any problems will have to be fixed by the builder before the building is declared fit to live in.
Survey
It is advisable to conduct building audits periodically to ensure that your structures are safe for the people that live in them. If you don’t have the audits done and something is wrong, you are open to legal action if someone is hurt as a result of the problem that was not fixed. Building audits can help in corrective action in instances where buildings are put up with poor structural foundations; the team will come up with
corrective measures of making the building structurally sound.
Way forward
The way forward is to have a building audit team in each local authority comprising all the professionals in the Built Environment and these will include the following consultants: architect, civil engineer, structural engineer, town planner, quantity surveyor, landscape architect, electrical engineer and environmental consultant.
Building audits can help in corrective action in instances where buildings are put up with poor structural foundations;
Construction East Africa - 7
Advertising Feature
Sounds like bliss, does it not? Well, no matter the size of your bathroom, a home spa is achievable.
Bathroom Luxury BATHROOM REMODELING CAN BRING LIFE AT HOME Do away with the cold and practical bathroom and turn it into a luxurious and restful place where you can retreat to escape the hustle and bustle of life. You can achieve this, no matter the size of your bathroom. Imagine walking into your bathroom every day and the only thing missing is an aesthetician (that is that nice lady who sees to your spa treatments facials, massages, body wraps ) with a robe in
hand, welcoming you to your spa experience. The sight before you�? The definition of bathroom luxury, creating the perfect ambience for relaxation. And you did not even have to go to a five-star hotel or upscale spa to get it. By turning your bathroom into a home spa, you are trading in cold and practical for luxurious and relaxing; a place to which you can retreat from the stresses of the day to find peace and solace. Sounds like bliss, does it not? Well, no matter the size of
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your bathroom, a home spa is achievable.
Themes
Settling on what you want for your home spa may be a daunting task, especially once you begin the shopping process. The array of tiles and borders, fixtures and accessories available in the market are enough to overwhelm even the most composed and decisive of folks. And considering that all your efforts are geared towards creating a relaxing environment, the irony is
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bound to get to you. But working with a theme will definitely make things easier.
Some themes you can consider for your home spa are:
South-western - This theme is strongly influenced by Mexican and Native American culture, with the result being a beautiful balance between luxury and rustic decor. The colours to work with are turquoise, coral, tan, brown, sand, light grey, and yellow. Having these in mind will make your selection easier.
English cottage style makes for a very cosy and comforting style. Distressed furniture and floral prints are the main features of the style, with colours such as pale pink, light blue, soft yellow, pale green, faded purple and rose. Fixtures like vessel sinks (these are the kind that sit atop a counter with the whole basin completely exposed) and stand-alone bathtubs with brass taps and finishes are great for this style. They add Cabinetry in natural wood and sophistication to what would tiles that mimic natural stone ordinarily be a very homey are the best materials for an looking bathroom. Vases with authentic look. When looking flowers (or not), quilts and at fabrics consider wool and candlestick lamps are perfect cotton blends; motifs inspired accessories for this style. Zen by nature (think desert scapes) Spa - This sounds like the are what to look for. For perfect bathroom style, does it accessories, go for earthenware, not? No surprises there, seeing metal wall art, and woven as to how it is arguably the blankets and rugs to add most common (this should warmth to your decor. not deter you, though. We know how everyone wants What is a spa without their interiors to be unique). scented candies, bath salts, Heavily inspired by Japanese and tranquil music in the style decor, this spa style is background? dedicated to creating a relaxed English cottage - Although not a very common choice, the and clutter-free environment. Construction East Africa - 9
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Advertising Feature
A simple way to make your toilet spacious is to add a row of floating shelves above the toilet or build a simple, custom-made cupboard over the basin.
Clever ways to add OOMPH to your toilet A simple way to make your toilet spacious is to add a row of floating shelves above the toilet
Bring in the colour:
Remember that old paint chart you used when decorating your living room, kitchen and bedrooms? Please dust it off and put it to good use by picking another exciting shade, this time for your toilet. A great colour to try on your toilet walls is slate grey, as opposed to traditional white toilets, as it will make the space look clean and crisp. To
complement the grey, use some red and white accessories such as white vases and candles against red plates filled with potpourri. Another colour to try is coral pink, which will look especially good if accessorized with coastal trinkets such as sea shells that have been spray-painted white and placed in a simple glass jar. Or, better still, against a kikoi drawstring bag filled with
extra toilet rolls‌ or an old, distressed white ladder with distressed picture frames. Yet another way to add some colour to your toilet to use wall paper; some metallic wall paper would, for instance, go a long way in adding glamour and drama to the room. To accentuate the wall paper use a grand light fixture.
Lay It Out
Tiles: The lighter and larger
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the tile, the better as it will even make the smallest of toilets look big. If you can tile from scratch, have your contractor do it in such a way that you can create little wall alcoves as part of the pattern. This is where you can store toilet rolls, candles or even better, some decorative apothecary bottles for some visual interest with a pinch of vintage charm.
Watch the Space
Very few home owners can boast of having a spacious toilet, so when decorating please do it with that in mind. A simple way to make your toilet spacious is to add a row of floating shelves above
the toilet or build a simple, custom-made cupboard over the basin. Place a wrought iron shelve over the toilet for space to store your accessories.
Play Dress Up
Get some fabric and make a skirt for your wash basin. A good fabric to use in is our much loved khanga, which would add a bit of colour and drama. Its light weight means it will be easy to clean to. For some privacy, you can also make matching floorto-ceiling curtains.
Cut Corners
Not literally, but in relation to creating space. Make use of corner shelves and tables to create space in the room. To create even more space,
use some woven baskets on the shelves and tables. Then, to add a bit of visual interest, line the baskets with some simple strips of floral fabric or some striped black-and-white grosgrain ribbon.
See the Signs
It is not only public rest rooms that can use toilet signage. Add a bit of fun to your private rest room by using a sign. Locally, there are many curio markets where you can find carved wooden toilet signs that you can put up outside your toilet door. Another idea is to use a “witty� wall decal quite to add a bit of humor to the space, such as one that spells the rules of toilet etiquette.
A milestone that deserves recognition
Wilken Group of Companies congratulates the National Construction Authority (NCA) on their 6th Anniversary. A milestone that truly deserves recognition. Wilken provides a wide range of solutions that support businesses; from solar power and renewable energy, to aviation, voice and data solutions.
C o n s t r u c t and i o nfind E out a s how t A we f r ican c ahelp your business move forward. Visit 1us2at-www.wilken.co.ke
THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
The bottom line is important but a business should give something back to the world and inspire passion in employees. Does Your Firm Engage In Corporate Social Responsibility? We Would Like To Feature You. Construction East Africa is the region’s premier journal for the built environment. 12,000 copies are in circulation each month enjoying a readership of industry audiences who include Architects, Engineers, Quantity Surveyors, Property Developers, Interior Designers, Real Estate Consultants, Valuers and Construction Project Managers. to further discuss your involvement in this feature.
CONSTRUCTION EAST AFRICA
Email the Publisher on
info@constructioneastafrica.com
Tel: 0722 889 763 | 0723 926 543
Email to the Managing Editor on wanjiku@constructioneastafrica.com Tel: Tel: 020 258 8975 | Cell: 0720 274 047
Construction East Africa - 13
NCA
MARKS 6TH
National Construction Authority
The regulator’s performance is assured on account of the goodwill it is already enjoying. In line, from 2014 and beyond, are some ambitious NCA projects that include the establishment of a National Construction Academy. The others include opening a stop shop policy centre that will deal with any construction issues from one office. Yet another initiative is to ensure that contractors have, through public-private partnerships, that requisite equipment to enable them deliver on contractors awarded. The widespread acceptance by the building and construction industry provides a sound platform for future policy initiatives and activities. The public should judge if we are on track but we know we have
done a lot within a short time with little resources. For example, compliance with the National Construction Authority Act, Number 41 of 20111 for contractors to be registered is almost 100%. Registration of the 18,804 contractors so far took a short period-less than one year – and this is unlike what has happened in other countries. All contractors must be registered with the Authority, meaning the shady contractors and quacks will be locked out of the industry. It is an offence to carry out any construction work without first having been registered with the Authority. The Authority will gazette a hard copy of the contractors register and keep online
14 - Construction East Africa
version as well. NCA has three mandates: • To regulate the building and construction industry; advise government and contractors and; build capacity of contractors. • The definition of construction is also wide and covers; buildings, roads, dams and telecommunication apparatus amongst others. • The NCA’s functions are to generally regulate the industry (including maintaining a register of contractors) promote construction to other countries, ensure that quality is maintained, accredited training institutions and create a construction code.
NCA
The NCA’s functions are to generally regulate the industry (including maintaining a register of contractors) Vision To attain quality, safe and well co-ordinated construction industry.
Mission To regulate and co-ordinate construction industry for sustainable social and economic development.
Core values Competence, Transparency and Integrity.
www.nca.go.ke
From left NCA Corporation Secretary Samson Lukoba, Ag. General Manager, Registration and Compliance, Eng. Raymond Karani and Dr. Manduku
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NCA
The Act now vests the Authority with power for registration of all contractors both foreign and local and for all sector in the construction industry.
• NCA has performed well in sensitizing contractors on their roles and the qualifications they must meet the registered. The next training session commence in January 2014, and the trainings are mandatory, there will be no renewal of licenses for contractors unless they attend the training. • We see NCA playing a key role in the East African region where the county’s strategic location and size of the economy makes it a key player in the region. We are setting an example to neighboring countries on how to establish national construction regulators. • We want NCA to be the benchmark for the standard and quality. We will therefore invite building and construction stakeholders to our Academy. Some of our professionals are already working in other countries in the region. We expect this can be done by Ju8ne 2014. This will then enable the region to share best practices.
Dr. Daniel Maundu Executive Director National Construction Authority
• We look forward not just a Prosperous 2014, but a bright and progressive future ahead.
MANDATE OF THE NCA
The National Construction Authority was established by the National Construction Authority Act No. 41 of 2011 with a broad mandate to oversee the construction industry and co-ordinate its development. Prior to establishment of the Authority, the registration and regulation of contractors was fragmented with various infrastructure ministries (the
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former Public Works, Road, Energy, Water etc) carrying out this activity for contractors in their specific sector. The Act now vests the Authority with power for registration of all contractors both foreign and local and for all sector in the construction industry. The Authority offices are on the 1st floor Hill Plaza building at Community area in Nairobi but the Authority has a plan to set up offices commencing with 10 selected counties in January 2014 with full establishment in all counties by January 2015
BUILDING, CIVIL ENGINERING CONTRACTORS, ROOFING & WATER PROOFING SPECIALISTS Italbuild imports Ltd was established in July 1997. We are registered with the National Construction Authority as a Building works contractor, civil engineering- water works & Road works contractor in category NCA 1, NCA2 & NCA 3 respectively. We also specialize in roofing and waterproofing products of the latest generation
We are
NAIROBI OFFICE: Off Langata Road, Next To Npc Karen P .O. BOX 601-00502 Nairobi Tel: 020-2304121/8, FAX: (020)2366228 CELL: 0733 603925/ 0723 706953 EMAIL: info@italbuildimports.com
MOMBASA OFFICE: Makande Road, Shimanzi P. O. BOX 90189-80100 Mombasa TEL: (041) 2495477, 2495488, FAX: (041) 249554 CELL: 0720-953374/ 0733-603926 EMAIL: mombasa@italbulidimports.com Construction East Africa - 17
Advertising Feature
BROKEN BOTTLES OR RAZOR WIRE?
SECURING YOUR HOME As Kenya’s economy grows, more and more people are joining the upper-and middleincome groups, where disposable income is readily available.
The effect of this being felt in the property sector here, the latest technological advances in real estate and lifestyle trappings have become must-haves for many. Most of these advances are in-built for convenience, but for those that are not, they run the risk of attracting the wrong kind of attention. Though these are what thieves intend on stealing when they get access into the home, there is no telling what they can do, not only to the gadgets, but also to those they find home. This is the reason many build high perimeter walls, invest in the best security technology and even higher guards and fierce dogs for protection. However, this ought not to be the reason for our homes to be built like fortresses. Though the threat of burglary is high in the upper-and middle-income homes, every homeowner is at risk of attacks. The quest to secure homes and keep the bad guys out has
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led to perimeter wall surrounded by broken beer or glass bottles on top. Rusted corrugated iron sheets and wooden fences in unmatched heights, colours and shapes have become a common sight. Although security measures may be 100 per cent effective, if chosen correctly they will act as a major deterrent for criminals, provide the homeowner a piece of mind, and maintain the home’s natural beauty and view. Homes now need to be secured not just at night when we are asleep, but also when caregivers are alone in the home and also when out for holidays. Here, some ways to achieve security without comprising on aesthetic looks:
Wireless Alarms
Today, modern means wireless. A home’s alarm system would mean added security. Choosing a wireless alarm system will prevent intruders from disarming the system by cutting wires. If one can see them, so will the intruder. The wireless
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system will also contribute to the home’s appeal as hideous wires will be done away with.
The Window
This is another area where intruders use when they are unable to access the house through the door. Homeowners ought to use the strong burglar proof bars to prevent such instances. However, since the
windows and doors are used together, they should have matching dĂŠcor styles. This will allow them to blend in and maintain the look and feel the room.
Recessed Lighting
Security light around a house help protect it by promoting visibility and awareness of what is taking place around
the home, especially at night. Recessed lighting looks sleek and elegant inside the home, so why not carry the trend outside? Installing recessed lights to illuminate various entry points to the home from the outside will not only have a burglar think twice about entering the property, but also give the home a warm exterior glow in the evenings. Any installed
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Advertising Feature
A homeowner should not allow deliveries, garbage collectors, beggars, casual job seekers, sales people and the like to enter the property.
lights should face away from the home and should ensure that the occupants are able to use the windows without being seen from outside.
The Intercom
An intercom will be a great way to prevent unwanted visitors from entering the home. A homeowner should not allow deliveries, garbage collectors, beggars, casual job seekers, sales people and the like to enter the property. Keep them at bay by communicating with them through an intercom system. An effective intercom system between the home and the gate or the front door will control who has access to and is on the premises. For service providers such as electricity and water
meter readers, insist on seeing their identification before letting them into your property.
The Perimeter Wall
In the past, most homes were either hedged or open in courts where beautiful views and much needed greenery were in plenty. They also provided great socializing opportunities with neighbours. But today, the only people who can boast such views are those living in gated communities. For the rest, as much as most would want a beautiful hedge or an open court for a fence as opposed to a solid wall for the superior view they provide, criminals on the outer side will not let them as they can see whatever is going on in the home and
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plan against it. The rate of crime in estates is becoming very high and solid walls are becoming the preferred option as they provide a strong physical barrier against intruders and also allow security dogs to move about freely on the property. However, homeowners are not leaving anything to chance and others are opting to use broken glass or bottles to “heighten security�. Nonetheless, this is not deterring thieves from accessing the house, and it is also completely destroying aesthetics. The electric razor wire is a better option at protecting the home and maintaining aesthetic view, however, for those who would still want to avoid the perimeter walls, there
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Today, customization is the way to go as it allows the homeowner to get a product that meets his or her specific exterior need and becomes unique to that particular home.
is now an option of installing an electric fence.
The Gate
Gone are the days when your home’s gate was a replica in design, size and even colour as your neighbour’s. Today, customization is the way to go as it allows the homeowner to get a product that meets his or her specific exterior need and becomes unique to that particular home. One can get a variety of stylish, simple, strong and creative security gates that will protect just as well- if no better- than the ones that have been in use before. There is a wide range of options is available, from wrought iron with intricate patterns, to
the beautiful wooden pieces that give solid frontage. One thing to keep in mind when it comes to gates though is automation‌ if you can afford. If one does not have to get out of their vehicle to open the driveway gate, this will be a much safer option.
Strong Doors
Most doors in homes in Kenya, including those inside the house, are metallic, unlike what was the norm in the past. The threat to security has largely contributed to this change. Using these metallic doors should not only protect against burglary, but also seamlessly contribute to the beautiful interior and exterior aspects of your home by being maintained regularly to prevent
colour fading, permanent dirt spots and rusting. There are also strong wooden doors available that are stylish and can be customized for different settings. Some are twice the size of a regular door and make a grand entrance, while acting as a deterrent for burglars as they will have their work cut out for them if they are going to try and get through the extra-large doubly-thick, statement door that weighs a tone. This will especially be difficult for burglars if it is paired with a security gate. There are also electric door locking solutions available to secure the home form intruders, such as the coded door knob and high security padlocks.
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Advertising Feature
LIFTS HAVE EVOLVED LITTLE SINCE THEY FIRST APPEARED 150 YEARS AGO.
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Advertising Feature
LIFTS & ELEVATORS
You walk in. You press a button. You avoid talking to the people standing next to you. You get off.
LIFTS help prove the adage that what goes up must come down. The profits of the companies that make and install them, however, seem to abide by different rules.
F
our firms control twothirds of the global market: Otis, part of America’s United Technologies; Kone of Finland; ThyssenKrupp, a unit of a German conglomerate; and Schindler, based in Ebikon, Switzerland. All enjoy penthouse-level margins, even as their sales glide silently upwards (see chart). People live more vertically than ever before. An estimated 70m the world over—more than the entire population of Britain—move to cities every year. Many live in blocks of flats or work in high-rise offices. Nearly all use escalators (which the big four also make) from time to time. Few can be bothered to take the stairs. Jürgen Tinggren, Schindler’s boss, talks of a “second planet” of new consumers who are discovering the elation of
elevation. Global demand for new lifts has gone from 300,000 a decade ago to nearly 700,000 this year. China, where two-thirds of new units are installed, accounts for much of the rise. Annual revenues are climbing steadily:
the Freedonia Group, a consultancy, thinks they will have doubled to $90 billion in the decade to 2015. The secret to the industry’s whopping margins, however, is maintenance. People hate getting stuck in lifts. So they
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Advertising Feature
pay $2,000-5,000 a year to keep each one running smoothly. Since 11m machines are already in operation, many needing only a quick lookover and a dollop of grease every few months, this is a nice business. Margins are 25-35%, compared with 10% for new equipment. Revenue from maintenance is far more stable than that from installations, which are affected by the ups and downs of the economy. Otis and its peers make more than half their profits from
services, often by securing maintenance contracts at the time of installation. This raises high barriers to entry: a newcomer would need a dense network of technicians to get started. The incumbents do not compete ferociously on prices. In 2007 the EU antitrust authorities fined them €831m ($1.1 billion) for fixing the German and Benelux markets. Much of the upkeep business is centered on Europe, which has around half the world’s lifts (and an even higher proportion
Authorised Distributor Lifts and Escalators
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of the creaking ones that will soon need to be refurbished, another profitable niche). The market is moving east, but it will take time. “The service business comes with a big lag,” says Henrik Ehrnrooth, Kone’s finance chief. Some fret that Chinese lift-owners are either maintaining the machines themselves or not at all. Schindler’s Mr Tinggren says that concentrating on fixing old lifts rather than installing new ones is shortsighted. The industry must find other buttons to push; and up to a point, it has. Lifts are becoming more standardised globally, making it easier to find economies of scale. Manufacturing and R&D are increasingly outsourced to Asia, shaving costs. Sales of pricier offerings such as double-decker cabins or smarter control panels that improve the flow of people in large buildings are buoyant. Sidelines such as key cards and consulting services also pay well. New gizmos allow each lift’s performance to be monitored remotely, so repairmen have to make fewer costly trips to inspect them. Yet from the customer’s perspective, lifts have evolved little since they first appeared 150 years ago. You walk in. You press a button. You avoid talking to the people standing next to you. You get off. Slim margins historically kept competition at bay. Now that the lift market is lucrative, however, it may grow more crowded
Construction East Africa - 25
Industry News
How are disputes resolved and the constraints encountered in the process of resolution?
DISPUTES AND THEIR RESOLUTIONS What is Construction? Who are the major players in the industry? What is a contract? How are disputes created? To be able to fully understand the nature of disputes, one has to understand: What is construction? Who are the major players in the industry? What is a contract? How are disputes created? How are disputes resolved and the constraints encountered in the process of resolution?
What Is Construction
Collins English Dictionary defines the act of construction as, “to put together substances or parts especially systematically in order to make or build a building or bridge.� In Kenya, the main types of construction are Buildings and Civil Engineering.
Major Players in the Industry
The major players in the industry are: Developers/investors: These are the people who create demand for construction as they venture into investment of capital categorized between single dwelling developer, estates developer, high-rise offices, go-downs, hotels, learning institutions, banks etc. Designers: Investors actualize their ideas on paper by hiring consultants who after receiving the brief turn it into design drawings by: creating space, specifying the materials needed and how such materials are installed,
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specifying the services that make the users realize their dream in utilizing the spaces created e.g. electricity, communication, security measures, etc. To do a good job, designers must observe other conditions in force by local authorities, bylaws, planning regulations, local communities’ rules (neighborhood groups).
What Is A Contract?
A contract is defined as a formal agreement between two or more parties usually in written form stating the terms of such an agreement. In all cases, a contract must clearly state parties e.g. developer, contractor, etc.
Industry News
of Contract for Building Works’ 1999 Edition, Clause No.45 defines how disputes can be referred to arbitration. However, it is worth noting that there are other avenues of resolution of disputes such as: • Conciliation • Mediation • Public Courts – Litigation It is important that parties must agree as part of the contract the way they wish to process resolution of disputes as and when they arise but if silent, the public courts will be the final say.
THE MAJOR AREAS OF DISPUTES IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
What are the obligations of each party? Value of contract, contract price and period of performance. Other players necessary to actualize the contract performance e.g. local authorities, statutory bodies, etc.
How Are Disputes Created
What is a construction dispute? It is simply a disagreement by one party about fulfillment of contract conditions by the other party.
Resolution of Disputes
In the construction contract and especially the JBC ‘Agreement and Conditions
• Quality of goods not meeting the contracted specifications • Quality of workmanship falling short of specification • Delays in execution of works • Irregular/non-payment for work done • Interference by Developer or his Agents in execution of works • Inefficient management of the contract by consultants, etc
Construction East Africa - 27
Cover Story
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
PUMPS! Though history is always subject to speculation as to its accuracy, we have a reasonable history of water pumps. Some credit the Egyptians with inventing the pump around 2,000 BC, their “pump” called a shadoof, was actually a bucket tied to a rope that removed water from a well. We don’t think that a shadoof qualifies as a pump, though, so we are going to jump ahead to 250 BC. In 250 BC, in ancient Greece and Rome, they used a device called the Archimedean screw. As you may have guessed, it was shaped like a giant screw. It worked by lifting water through the inside of the pump for irrigation. The screw was turned by hand, and it usually took two workers to do so. Piston pumps were also around in the same time period as the Archimedean screw, rendering any attempt to figure out what was really first to be pointless.
In 1580, the sliding vane pump was invented, followed shortly thereafter by the gear pump. The piston vacuum pump would come along in 1650. 1738 saw a “tipping point” event: the building of the Ural hydraulic machinery plant. This was the first instance of automated pump machinery. It would take a few more years, but in 1790, Thomas Simpson would establish the first pump business in London. 1840 would see the first direct-acting steam pump. This would be essential to providing energy for a number of industrial uses. 13 years later, in 1853, Bornemann Pumpen was established, followed by Gilbert Gilkes and Gordon in 1856, and the Roper Pump Company
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in 1857. That year, Jacob Edson would invent the diaphragm pump, and would establish the Edson Corporation. The following years were a whirlwind of new companies, including Grundfos in 1945. It would be until 1948 when more serious advances were made, when Stenberg-Flygt AB designed the first submersible drainage pump. HMD would create a magnet-drive pump the next year. Pumps have affected our world in ways that we take for granted. If it weren’t for pumps, you would have to collect rain water and make trips to the nearest spring, pond, lake, or river to find water. Pumps save hours and hours of labour, and make it a lot easier to mitigate damage from flooding. Fifty years ago, Trade &
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Technical Press launched a new magazine to report on technical developments in pumps. The original title of Pumping was short-lived, being soon supplanted by the pan-European Pumps, Pompes, Pumpen in 1965 as the magazine linked up with the fledgling Europump association. Over the next seventeen years, the pump industry became increasingly international and in 1982, the publisher decided to mark this trend by re-launching the magazine as World Pumps. The thirtieth anniversary year saw Trade & Technical Press acquired by Elsevier Science Ltd who incorporated the magazine into its Elsevier Advanced Technology Division. Since then, a number of
editorial changes have brought with them new approaches as the industry matures. There have been reviews of software and web pages, eventually eclipsed by sheer numbers. An annual International Buyers’ Guide has been published since 1997, and is now supplemented by an on-line version. Since 2003 World Pumps has worked with BPMA on the annual prestigious Pump Industry Awards. The magazine now features regular contributions from the Hydraulic Institute, underlining its international credentials. Man has been using pumps of some type for 4000 years, which makes 50 years a very short time in the history of pumping. Indeed, looking back at the
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most significant developments in technology, the last fifty years seem relatively insignificant. By 1959, all the major pump designs had been introduced and mostly developed into commercial products. So what has World Pumps been writing about for the past 50 years?
Driving trends
One trend has been the increasing importance of niche positive displacement pumps, particularly rotary types. Peristaltic, progressing cavity and rotary lobe pumps have all risen in profile as their capabilities have been introduced to new markets by improved communications. Increasing competition has meant that users have been more inclined to experiment in
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the search for the ideal pump for difficult duties. The trends that have affected all of us have also had their impact on the pump market. Increased environmental awareness gave a real boost to pumps without shaft seals. Magnetic drive and canned motor units have thrived and even produced a hybrid combining the two technologies. Pump shaft sealing has also changed dramatically. Asbestos in packing is outlawed and today the vast majority of new pumps are supplied with mechanical seals, often in factory-assembled cartridge format to avoid the risk of face damage during handling. Materials have also developed. Sea-water pumps have seen gunmetal and aluminium
bronze replaced by highly alloyed super-austenitic and super-duplex stainless steels. New non-metals have made possible tiny pumps for human implant. Ceramics and tungsten/silicon carbide have vastly reduced wear rates in pumps of all sizes. Even large sub-sea variable speed supersynchronous drive motors for pumps are now possible.
Overtaken by computers
Electronics and computers have overtaken all our lives and inevitably have entered the physical world of pumps in the form of variable speed drives (VSD’s), SCADA systems and condition monitoring equipment. Integral VSDs
on in-line pumping units now dominate the building services market. Pump selection software has speeded up the process of choosing a pump, as well as opening opportunities in marketing. For the designer, CAD and CFD have reached new heights. They can now interact but they still have some way to go before they fully replace personal expertise. Life cycle costing has become a part of everyday life and has shown that energy costs usually eclipse all other lifetime costs. Vast savings are frequently realised by system improvement but appropriate legislation is practically impossible to formulate. Although pump efficiency improvements give relatively small returns
We don’t think that a shadoof qualifies as a pump, though, so we are going to jump ahead to 250 BC
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for large outlays, legislation for raising efficiency now exists in Korea and China. The European Commission, as part of its Energy Using Products Directive, has targeted the raising of efficiencies of water pumps. Europump has been instrumental in assisting the EC in this task and has proposeda method for eliminating bad performers. We are all aware that in recent years, discussions about the pump industry have been
dominated by talk of mergers, takeovers and disposals. Indeed, as we consider the major pump makers of 2009, it is hard to name one which has not changed markedly since 1959.
Comings and goings
ITT, IDP, Sterling Fluid Systems, Grundfos, Wilo and ABS have changed almost beyond recognition. Established independent makers like Harland, Flygt, Worthington and now Weir Pumps have disappeared, whilst
newer names like Textron, Constellation Capital, IDEX, Pentair and Flowserve have arrived on the scene, continuing the trend for the biggest companies to get bigger. Other interesting changes include diversification. For example, after more than 50 years of providing submersible motors to pump makers, Franklin Electric has ‘pulled the plug’ and now buys pump companies to produce its own units. Mind you, it is also interesting to note from the chronology of the pump industry listed below, that even in the early years of this magazine mergers and acquisitions were not unknown and ever since there has been a continuous environment of change.
Global marketplace
Probably the biggest single change in this industry has been the transition from a local to a global marketplace. Fifty years ago we had only national trade associations but today the significant impetus in inter-company relations is at intercontinental level. The Europump Association has grown massively in stature and effectiveness in its 49 years, and now works in close partnership with the Hydraulic Institute in the US. This partnership reflects ever closer cooperation between pump manufacturers’ associations, a development that mirrors this magazine’s evolution from national through European to global coverage.
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Energy efficiency and durability are imperative since Pond Pumps need to run persistently for a long time. The investment funds that are acknowledged by purchasing a low value pond pump could dissipate rapidly through higher vitality charges and also the requirement for successive replacement. Magnetic drive Pond Pumps are regularly a decent decision since they are vitality productive, conservative and tough – however they are bad at lift higher than 4 or 5 feet. Coordinate Drive pumps are better ready to lift water to higher heights and pump huge volumes, yet their vitality effectiveness has a tendency to be lower. As of late some producer’s have planned
another type of “crossover” Pond Pumps that use the best of magnet and direct drive to enhance both lift and If you are looking to eject basement water, then sump pump is required. If you want to draw more water from the line, then a motor pump is required. There are a lot of brands which provide water pumps for home usage. You should choose that company whose distributor is available in your city as it will be helpful to contact them in case of any issue with the pump. There are many companies where all this product are sold so go to the company you know and trust .inquiry there about all the products and then what you think is best you can select or have advice from other
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people who have knowledge about these products and then choose. Actually I don’t the best one (handpump) you want. There are many water pumps available in the market that can be used in home purpose. You should choose a pump that is durable and consume less energy. If you don’t choose a good pump then the pump will tear out within very short time. It is really true that choosing the best pump is little bit confusing for new customer because various kind of water pump is available in current time.Just checkout the article that linked in this answer and I hope all of your confusion will be cleared and you will be able to choose the perfect water pump
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