Gulf Construction Online - Fast-track job presents challenge to contractor

Knowledge Village

Al Basti and Muktha had to complete nearly 80 per cent of the project in just over nine months.

Fast-track job presents challenge to contractor

01 June 2003

Constructing 13 buildings - each different from the other - involving a total built-up area of 1 million sq ft is no mean task. The challenge was further compounded by the fact that they were all to be completed on a fast-track basis within a span of one year.

Dubai-based Al Basti and Muktha, main contractor on the Knowledge Village project, rose to the challenge and says it has achieved its target thanks to the cooperation between all the sub-contractors involved and the guidance of the consultant.

"We started work on June 16 last year during the peak of summer - with April, this year as targeted completion date for the first phase," says Ravi Mohan, project manager with Al Basti and Muktha. "This meant we had to finish nearly 80 per cent of the project in just over nine months time."

The site covers an area of 1.2 km and each of the 13 buildings comprises a basement, ground plus first floor.

"It was also a challenging job in terms of volume of concrete and steel used. The time period allocated for this job was that of typical buildings, without allowing for the fact that each building was different in style. At the peak of construction 3,500 people were on site," he adds.

ABM, established in 1974 by its chairman S K Pathak and the late Lahej Al Basti, is registered as an "unlimited" Class A category contractor with Dubai Municipality.

Some of the prestigious projects completed by the company include Jebel Ali Port control tower, container terminal as well as other developments at the port; residential/commercial developments for the Ruler of Dubai; Gold and Diamond Park and Emirates Lakes villas for Emaar; Police Training Institute; as well as numerous other residential, commercial, hotel and leisure facilities in Dubai.

ABM has worked with most of the national and international building consultants operating in Dubai and is registered with almost all the government and semi-government organisations in the emirate for major projects.

Many of the projects undertaken by ABM in recent years have been repeat orders from its clients/consultants. "Indeed our customers' support has been the cornerstone for our success," he says. "ABM is a company built on a foundation of quality and trust."

He continues: "ABM strongly believes in high quality construction delivered in time and is committed to working safely. Environmental and safety norms are strictly followed and the management enforces these norms right down to the unskilled labour force.

"ABM is an ISO 9000-certified company and believes in constantly upgrading its operations to ensure the client gets the maximum benefits from its products and services. Regular audits ensure that our quality norms are adhered to at all sites as well as in the office."

The company is proud of its large and dedicated workforce, controlled by experienced and well-qualified supervisors and engineers and directed by a management committed to customer satisfaction, quality, safety and productivity. The management team is led by Pathak and executive director Rakesh Talwar.

Also under the ABM Group umbrella is a leading electromechanical company known as Bilt Middle East. Also an ISO 9000 certified company, Bilt is well recognised in the field of building services and complements the parent company for its construction activities. It has also worked with most of the leading consultants, major builders and developers.