National Building Codes the Catalyst to Quality Assurance

PT MAGAZINE had the privilege to interview Mr. Ishmael Alulu, the Deputy Director of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development Quality Assurance and Quality Control (MIDQC) Department. During the interview, Mr. Alulu provided valuable insights into the function and operations of the MIDQC team.

The team is part of the Ministry's TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE MANAGEMENT SERVICES Division and is responsible for ensuring the quality and safety of infrastructure development projects across the country. In this issue, we explore the MIDQC team's story, their role in maintaining the country's transport infrastructure, and the challenges they face in carrying out their mandate. Quality assurance for materials used in the construction industry is a crucial aspect of ensuring that buildings are structurally sound and safe for their occupants.

In Solomon Islands, there are many quality construction materials available, such as hardwood timbers, bamboo, basalt gravel, sand gravel, lime stone, and water. However, the biggest issue facing the construction industry is the lack of quality control measures and enforcement. Without proper testing and quality control, there is no way to check the bearing strength of erected structures or ensure that structures are safe and reliable. This lack of oversight can lead to dangerous and potentially fatal accidents, as well as a lack of confidence in the construction industry. To address these issues, the Solomon Islands government Ministry of Infrastructure Development has been working to enact and implement new building codes that will enforce quality assurance and quality control measures for all construction materials. This will help to standardize quality material supplies, such as bricks, aggregate, timber, concrete, and steel, and ensure that all building projects meet a minimum standard of safety and reliability. The Ministry of Infrastructure Development Construction Material Laboratory (MIDQAC) is the implementation agency of the National Building Code. The laboratory is staffed by professionals with expertise in civil engineering, geology, and structural quality control, and is responsible for testing and verifying the quality of building materials. However, the laboratory needs quality improvements and competent staff technical training to ensure that it meets international standards. To facilitate the NBC, the Solomon Islands government needs to establish a highly certified international NATA standard operating QAC unit. MIDQAC itself needs funding to perform internationally.

Once the building codes are gazetted and enforcement mechanisms are in place, the MIDQAC team will be responsible for ensuring that all building standards and quality assurance measures are met. This will involve improving their quality standard performance to NATA standards, ensuring that building inspectors are properly trained and qualified, and enforcing regulations on all building permits.

Before seeking a building permit, contractors must take into consideration the quality and safety of the materials they plan to use, as well as the structural soundness of their proposed designs. Building inspectors play a crucial role in ensuring that all construction projects meet these standards, and the MIDQAC team works closely with HCC inspectors to ensure that all building projects are safe and reliable.

The construction industry in Solomon Islands has a lot of potential to thrive, but quality assurance and quality control measures must be put in place to ensure that all building projects are safe and reliable.

By enacting and enforcing building codes, improving the quality of testing and inspection facilities, and properly training staff, Solomon Islands can build a thriving and sustainable construction industry that provides safe, reliable, and high-quality buildings for its citizens.

The MIDQC team based at the MID headquarters in Honiara is responsible for:

1) QUALITY ASSURANCE ACTIVITIES

* Materials investigation for material properties for infrastructure design.

* Implementation of assurance documents –Building code, Spec, Drawings, manuals, methods & Calibrations/ competency

2) QUALITY CONTROL (CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS LABORATORY)

* Materials construction laboratory for construction materials

* Construction materials quality control checks.