African project:
Project: Desert Flower
Mammy Yoko Hotel
underneath the project on an organisational level,
they had to adopt a methodology that proved
highly effective in managing site activities and
achieving project milestones. As potential main
contractors had little or no experience in hotel
refurbishment, construction management issues
were overcome by employing a multitude of various
artisans who ensured that the construction works
were implemented. With increased supervision
and quality control measures in place, excellent
standards of quality and workmanship were
achieved. Integrated Solutions provided the correct
training, supervision and guidance throughout the
duration of the project.
Bridging the language gap and shoring up
performance
“Even language barriers were overcome by site staff
learning the basics of the local dialect and making
use of local translators when necessary. Local
workers, used to slow paced construction, proved
their worth by the introduction of incentives. The
lack of local technical know-how was overcome by
introducing expatriate consultants,” says Lategan.
Building partnerships with suppliers on the
ground
“In order to create as many local jobs as possible,
local general workers were employed, also allowing
for skills transfer,” said Lategan. Critical to the
project success was forging the right relationships
amongst all the major local suppliers. Such
partnerships proved crucial in securing the right
materials and labour that could meet the stringent
project standards.
“Additional stock required was offset by site
management making use of all redundant materials
on site and remaking this to create the necessary
items. For the duration of the project, Integrated
Solutions adopted regulations in line with South
African and British standards to ensure that
installation would comply with all safety and
minimum requirements. Although Integrated
Solutions had to overcome these major challenges,
we’re proud that we were able to successfully
complete and handover a four star establishment of
an international standard,” says Lategan. AD
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