Page 19 - Energize February 2021

NEWS

Bridging the gap between consultants and contractors

iverse experience and skills among
its workforce have resulted in Jet
DDemolition having a multifaceted
team capable of cohesively and
collaboratively addressing some of the most
challenging and difficult projects.
“We have a number of personnel who
have worked in both the contracting and
consulting fields. We also have a number of
personnel who have worked in both civil
and construction and who now work in
demolition,” says Kate Bester, the company’s
contracts manager.
“Our primary approach to large­scale
demolition projects is to find the safest,
most practical and most appropriate
solution to the task at hand. This approach
has assisted clients in completing projects
safely, on time and within budget, and has
strengthened our relationships far beyond
the demolition industry,” she adds.
As with all industries, construction has and to the best standards possible, it is more important than ever to adopt a collaborative
different facets and specialities, all approach to large­scale projects,” she says.
interesting and unique in their own right. “I was fortunate to have had both consulting and contracting experience, and it has
She says that it is not uncommon for definitely broadened my own understanding of industry. I like to believe that this has resulted in
young engineers and technicians to select a a much more collaborative approach to the projects I manage,” she adds.
career in either contracting or consulting At the most fundamental level, there is a much deeper and more comprehensive
and then to pursue that career fully without understanding of what the other party is faced with when one has spent time in their shoes.
experiencing the other. “By having this insight and understanding, the approach to challenges shifts from being
The construction industry offers many defensive to co­operative. Project managers, design engineers and resident engineers are able to
opportunities for collaboration between quickly assess and address issues as they arise, effectively collaborating to find the most practical
consultants and contractors, but these and realistic approaches to challenges. This, in turn, results in open and effective communication,
opportunities are not often fully explored, reduced overall project costs, fewer claims and more realistic project timelines,” adds Bester.
often resulting in contractual disagreements At present, the onus is on the young engineer or technician to explore the different facets of
and a disjointed and misaligned approach to the industry.
the works. “I believe it would be of great benefit if contracting and consulting firms align their
Projects that do not have a collaborative personnel development strategies and actively encourage young persons to explore the other
and engaging approach to their overall sides of the industry, within defined frameworks.
management display signs of distress early These frameworks could include fundamental exchange programmes during which willing
on. Budgets are soon overrun, contractual participants could be given the opportunity to experience and explore without personal risk.
claims are increasingly prevalent in Occasional vacation work is not necessarily sufficient to get a deeper understanding of the
meetings and parties often segregate, each industry. “However, spending a few years with a consultant, and then being brave enough to
resorting to defend opinions instead of explore contracting for a few years or vice versa is the only way to truly come to grips with the
finding practical and effective solutions. challenges each facet of the industry experiences.” n
“With the ever­increasing pressure on
carrying out projects on time, within budget Contact Kate Bester, Jet Demolition, Tel 011 495-3800, kate@jetdemolition.co.za

Contact Mark Yelland for all your

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Cell: 074 854-1597

Email: marky@nowmedia.co.za

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