We have come to the end of yet another month. According to the schedule this is the second last month of construction. It has been a rainy month but this did not affect the progress on the FFH Centre building rather the sub base.
FFH Centre Building Construction
During this month's site meeting, the contractor noted that he was still behind schedule and formally requested for an extension to the original completion date. He was granted two weeks extension, which means our revised completion date is 23rd June 2010.
The formwork was removed mid this month and plastering of the ceiling and walls commenced. The doors and windows are currently at the workshops and will soon be delivered to site. Keep checking for weekly photo updates on the progress.
Greenfields Football pitch and Sub-base
There were a number of challenges in regards to sub base construction. Due to the heavy rains this month the contractor had to put excavations on halt. There were other contractural issues that had to be sorted through. But work will resume during next month now that the frequency of heavy rains has reduced and the contractural issues were sorted out.
The containers are nearing the port of Mombasa and MYSA is working hard on the tax exemption documents so that once these containers arrive, they are swiftly cleared and delivered to site.
Next month......as we see the centre completed, the 2010 FIFA World Cup also kicks off on the African continent in South Africa. June promises to be an exciting month not only in Kenya but in the rest of the world.
Another month down and more progress on the project as we finally start seeing the overall form of the building transform from virtual 3D to reality 3D.
Construction
We have reached the roof slab level of the building. We are gradually getting there despite being behind schedule, but the contractor is doing all he can to handover the Centre to MYSA at the stated date in the contract. The roof slab was finally cast on Wednesday 28th April 2010 and now the slab needs to cure for 28 days before the contractor can strike the formwork and move in to do finishes. In the meantime, work on the external works has began, the MYSA sculpture base was completed, the tower base is near completion and excavations for the external stairs have began. Feel free to look through the Construction week update pics.
Greenfields Football pitch & Sub base
The tenders for the sub base of the football pitch were sent out last month and this month we were able to select a contractor for the sub base. I would like to introduce you all to Mr. Ilic Goran of PAMIGO Ltd. He is an experienced contractor especially in terms of football pitch construction as he recently completed a football pitch in Kenya at the City Stadium in Nairobi on behalf of the Nairobi City Council. We look forward to working with him.
The Greenfields turf that is to be laid on this sub base is currently crossing the ocean and making its way towards us. Not sure if we should do a red carpet ceremony considering we are getting green turf.
Next month..... we begin seeing the first interior pics as the camera moves into the building to experience the new spaces. So keep the support coming as we gradually make our way towards the finish line of the second FFH Centre in Africa.
Hey!!! faithful readers, we have yet come to the end of another month. This officially makes it the beginning of another year in the update calendar. I have been updating you since March 2009 (new kid on the block update). For those looking for an April fools joke somewhere in there, well........, sorry there isn't any.
Construction
With construction underway, the skills of a writer are less needed thus I have to switch to photography. So I have been uploading new images every week showing the progress on site.
The foundation for the building was completed just in time before the heavy rains began and that greatly reduced the chances of flooding on the site. The floor slab and columns are in place and walling is underway. I think that is it in a nutshell. I suggest you check out the picture updates.
Sub base Tender
The sub-base for the football pitch was also put out to Tender, where five contractors were invited to tender. We did receive very competitive bids and we are in the process of informing the selected contractor and signing the contract for this portion of work. Greenfields will be overseeing the construction of this sub-base and upon completion they will lay the artificial turf and kick boards. Hope you have all seen how great the Khayelitsha pitch looks like.
Thanks for reading these updates and looking forward to another 'update year' and great pics.
What an exciting month this has been! We have finally broken ground in Komarock and the contractor has taken possession of the site.
Here is what transpired this month:
Building Contract signed
The Contract was finally signed between Architecture for Humanity and Gravity Contractors Ltd on Monday 15th February 2010. Work on the site officially commenced that same week on Wednesday 17th February 2010. Final completion is scheduled for Wednesday 09 June 2010.
Site Handed over
On Tuesday 16th February 2010, MYSA handed over the site to Gravity Contractors Ltd. Present at this handover was Stephen Muchoki (Sports Coordinator - MYSA), Moses Muihia (Managing Director - Gravity Contractors Ltd), Mumo (Site foreman) and myself. Moses promised to work closely with MYSA in regards to community involvement on this project.
Construction begins
On Wednesday 17th February 2010, the Contractor began by hoarding off the entire site and began clearing the site as per the drawings. Pegs were fixed to mark the position of the building and after my verification of these points, excavations commenced. During the course of the day, trucks delivered sand, aggregate and building stones.
Structural Engineer visit
Eng. Mike Gumbi visited the site on Wednesday 24th February 2010 to verify the condition of the soils and to also check if adequate depths had been obtained. All seemed to be in order and the contractor was asked to proceed with the blinding and laying of reinforcements as per his drawings.
Corina Visit
MYSA had the pleasure of hosting Corina Eggenberger (CSR Programme Manager - FIFA) and what a fun-filled eye-opening experience she had. She got to see the diverse number of programs MYSA runs, even got to participate in some and finally got to watch MYSA Girls teams training.
Next month.....I can only promise more progress as we see this magnificent centre gradually rise from the ground. As always, I'll continue to be your only contact for Kenya updates.
With Feb gone, March......here we come!
Happy 2010 to you all
2009 was a great year for the start of this project and 2010 promises to be an even greater year because we look forward to the completion of the project.
National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) approval obtained
We finally obtained the last of the official approvals this month. Thanks to the work of Dr. Omenya and Alex (Green Arch), Henry, George and Stephen (MYSA) and the NEMA officials. With all approvals obtained, we look forward to commencement of construction of the centre.
Contractor selected
After a long exhaustive process were able to confirm the selection of Gravity Contractors Ltd as the prefered Main Contractor on this project.
A Letter Of Intent (LOI) was then issued to Gravity. The next step involves all parties putting their heads together to agree on Contractural clauses before the contract can be signed and then work can officially commence. We are soon coming to an agreement and hope to have the Contract signed early next month.
Next month......Look forward to getting visual updates on the progress on site as opposed to literal updates. As they say, a picture speaks a thousand words. Log on next month as we make major headway.
We have finally made it to the end of the year and what a year it has been!
We managed to make it through some difficult spots and are still pushing forward to having this Football For Hope Centre completed by next year 2010.
Summary 2009
That was when I arrived on the ground in beautiful Nairobi, Kenya.
The Kenya Project team of consultants on the FFH centre in Komarock, Nairobi was assembled.
Studio 610 submitted the design of the proposed FFH Centre, Komarock and it was loved by everyone. Thumbs up to April and Jason!
We got the Architectural and Structural Drawings approved by Nairobi City Council (NCC) thanks to the hard work by MYSA Staff and Councillors, Pharos Architects and Gumbi & Associates.
Tender documents were prepared by Barker & Barton Kenya and contractors were invited.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report was prepared and submitted to National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) by our Environmental Consultant, Dr. Omenya and Alex. We are awaiting an approval letter from NEMA, which we hope to receive at the beginning of next year.
Once all approvals are obtained the successful Contractor will be informed and invited to sign a contract before construction can commence.
We are looking forward to breaking ground in the New Year and also the successful completion of this FFH Centre. Continue reading the updates and supporting us every step of the way.
Happy New Year to you.
As the end of year draws near, we are also gradually getting the tools ready to break ground on the FFH Centre here in Koma rock, Nairobi.
Various battles have been fought and glad to say I have aligned myself with worthy allies and sidekicks.
Approvals obtained
The Architectural and Structural drawings were approved this month, Thanks to the hard work from Andrew (Architect of Record), Mike (Structural Engineer), MYSA team (Peter, Henry, David and George) and MYSA friends.
We are still awaiting for National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA)approval which we are hoping to get before the End of this year.
As soon as this is obtained we will be able to start digging those trenches.
Contractor selection
We received three bids back from the Contractors that is Gravity Contractors, Rufus Prime Builders & Fabricators and Contrawood Enterprises Building Contractors.
We are currently still looking through their Company Profiles, CVs and previous projects before we finally select a contractor for the project. We hope to get the most suitable and qualified individual to work on this project so as to ensure that MYSA gets a quality Community Centre building in which to run their programs.
Still working hard and especially now that the festive season is upon us and the first FFH centre in Khayelitsha, South Africa is soon to be opened, the pressure to get this construction started is even far greater.
Back to save another month with updates from the people on the ground
BoQs and Tender documents completed
Thanks to the great work by the QS, the documents were completed on time and submitted to AFH & sfw for approval. Approval was obtained with a few questions which will be dealt with asap.
Tendering Phase
According to the consultants, it was best to do a Selective Tender as opposed to an Open Tender. We have now initiated the tendering process and have invited six contractors namely:
Contrawood Enterprises Building Contractors.
Rufus Prime Builders & Fabricators.
Construction Management & Consulting Services Ltd.
Gravity Contractors.
Zidar Building & General contractors.
Ken-Circle Builders.
All six contractors have expressed interest in the project and we are hoping to get back very competitive bids. Tenders will be returned on Monday 02 November 2009.
Local Authority approvals
MYSA is currently pursuing these approvals and we are assisting any way we can. We hope to have these in the month of November.
Environmental Impact Assessement (EIA) report
Thanks to the hard work of our Environmental Consultant, Dr. Omenya and his team, the report was submitted to the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) and we will await approval in November.
Keep those fingers crossed as we try to navigate through the approvals.
With a such progressive month of October, we can only hope for more progress in the coming month as we draw closer to the end of 2009 and the world cup year 2010 starts appearing across the horizon.
What a Technical month this was! Lucky for the reader, one of my special powers is to absorb the "technical fire balls" and turn them into "eye-opening words of light".
Ever wondered what people mean when they say "you need to operate like a well-oiled machine"? Well, the first and only step: Stop wondering!
Here is how the well-oiled FFH Kenya machine worked this month(in A,B,C format):
I must first of all say, WHAT A TEAM! this is.
step 1: April (Design Architect) sends Design drawings to Andrew (Architect of Record).
step 2: Andrew prepares Architectural/ Council drawings.
step 3: Andrew then sends Architectural drawings to Mike(Structural Engineer) and Peter (Electrical Consultant)
step 4: Architectural, Structural and Electrical drawings were then sent to Bobby (Quantity Surveyor).
step 5: Bobby is now preparing Bills of Quantities.
Finally, all Drawings and BOQs will then be sent to AFH in early October for review.
P.S. I have not forgotten those that like seeing pictures, images and drawings. These will be uploaded asap.
This is the superhero signing out and will be back towards the end of next month to save another day. Watch this space......
New member added
This month we welcomed the addition of our newest member to the team. Peter Wanjau, an electrical contractor, of PM Electrical Works & General Contractors. He has done a lot of work for various companies in Kenya and will now be working with us on the centre.
As it stands the professional team is now complete and the project is moving along with all parties communicating and working towards the successful completion of the project.
DD package approved
The Design Development package was also approved and we have moved on to the Technical Documentation stage. You view the latest uploaded DD package. All consultants are currently busy working hard on their share of the project and hope to meet the set out deadlines as per the schedule.
We look forward to completing most of the Technical work during this coming month of September. Keep reading and I will do my best to keep you all up to speed.
Update Hero 3 : Time villans 1, I seem to be winning this match against time. What an exciting month this was. I could not wait till end of month for fear that I might forget some things. So I will be adding more info as we come to the close of the month.
Jason visit to Kenya.
Yeah, Jason finally did make it to Kenya and was here for a short jam packed week. Due to the excitement, he had 4 hours rest after his 2 day flight and was up and running. We went to meet Andrew (Architect of Record) to discuss the project. There was no need for an ice breaker session, we all seemed to get along. After the meeting we all went to visit the amazing Mathare Youth Sports Association (MYSA)organisation. I must say that despite the many times I have done this tour I always feel goose pimples seeing and hearing what MYSA have so far accomplished. Jason and Andrew were equally amazed.
The following day we had a meeting with MYSA Directors, Jason, Andrew, Bobby of BBK and myself. A very productive meeting that mapped the way forward for the project in terms of communication, cost estimates and design development. We were all happy with the outcome of the meeting and look forward to working smoothly.
On Wednesday, we had the community design workshop with the youth.(see separate update and photos will soon be uploaded)
On Thursday, Jason and I held a wrap up meeting with MYSA administration to make sure we had covered and considered everything. Jason then went on adventure on Friday which i think he will write all about on his blog, if i can find it. He then left the amazing country on Saturday morning and is back home. I was glad to host him and he tells me he enjoyed every minute of his visit.
Community Design Workshop
This was no ordinary workshop, as designers we do not do long written out speeches. It was a workshop that was hands on and encouraged individual participation within each group.
There were 38 youth that participated in this workshop. We randomly divided them into five groups and then we run three exercises, namely:
Mapping exercise: to get to know how the community youth relate to the places/ services around them.
MYSA-Community Relationship exercise: this exercise was designed to enable us, the visitors, and MYSA, understand how the community relates to the various programs run by the organisation.
Centre Design exercise: was designed to get the youth to identify what they think will be needed in the proposed FFH centre that will be constructed. Interesting suggestions were made and various forms were created.
Overall the youth enjoyed themselves and were very open during the entire workshop. At the end we shared some soft drinks, took group pictures and chatted about anything besides the workshop. It was also fun for Jason and I.
Structural Engineer added to team
This month we welcomed the addition of a new team member, Eng. Mike Gumbi of Gumbi & Associates. He will be the lead structural consultant on this project. We are excited to have him on board and look forward to learning a lot from him.
There is still more updates to come next month, watch the space.........
The update hero has been battling the forces of time, and at the end was victorious although a lot of time was lost. I promised to deliever these updates every month so here is what transpired in the month of June.
New addition to the team
Yes, you read right. The team is still growing and what surprises me the most is that even in this difficult economic situation there are people out there, who are still willing to lend us their services. Drum roll......the newest team member is Barker and Barton Kenya (BBK), it is a Quantity Surveying firm that has done extensive work in and around the country, they also have offices in Uganda and Seychelles. We are glad to welcome them to the team and looking forward to working with them. Having BBK on board means that our building budget will be examined under a microscope by a 'numbers' expert.
Schematic Design package
The awesome designers of Studio 610 sent us the Schematic Design of the proposed centre and not to sound biased, but it will be one of the best looking centres. The pictures were uploaded, so feel free to comment and be your own judge and jury. A Big Thank you to April and Jason. We will now be modifying and tweaking a few things after receiving feedback from all the major players involved in the project.
Next month......I am looking forward to hosting Jason in Kenya for a week, meeting the entire on-the-ground team, community design workshop and welcoming another addition to the team. So keep watching this space.
During this month some major items were covered thus enabling us to significantly move forward.
Met with a local contractor Goran
A site meeting was organised between myself, Peter (MYSA - Director), David (MYSA - Finance Director) and Goran (MD - PAMIGO Ltd), to investigate the ground conditions and prepare a detailed quote for the sub base construction of the GreenFields pitch that will be placed at the site.
Land survey of MYSA site done
A land survey of the site was also done by MapSurveys (K) Ltd. They were able to establish the levels around where the FFH centre and the GreenFields pitch will be placed.
Design brief approved.
The design brief was approved by Street Football World (SFW) and April (design architect) is already working on developing the concept and we are looking forward to seeing her concept design package.
We are all looking forward to more progress during the next month of June. I will keep you posted.
It is with absolute great pleasure to inform you that the process is moving forward. I arrived at the beginning of April in this vibrant city of Nairobi where colour on everything is a must. Every matatu(commuter taxis), double-M(buses), bodaboda(motorbikes) is covered in rainbow colours. The people are great, friendly, smiling and the food is spectacular.
I was able to meet with the MYSA team and what great spirit they have. This is clearly evident in the numerous activities they run at the various centres. Every individual you talk to at the centre is happy and is looking forward to growing further with the organisation. This is an organisation that is known by almost every Kenyan around town.
We were able to agree on where the Football For Hope (FFH) centre, will be located and exactly where on the site the centre will be placed. It is a very exiciting proposal and you should browse through the pics to have a look at the proposed location of the centre.
We also did select the design architect, whose design will be developed further to suit the site conditions and MYSA's needs.
The local architects that will partner on this project were also selected.
During next month, the schematic design process will be started and the final list of all parties to be involved in this project will completed i.e the Quantity surveyor, Structural Engineer, local contractor for the Greenfields pitch.
Looking forward to an exciting month of May and you should too.
In case you were wondering why there were no updates thus far, well I am here to put those questions and fears to rest.
A new hero with the special ability of updates has been added to this global team of superheroes.
A young designer with a passion to extend a helping hand to those living right next door to him. We often say if only I can get this then I would do that. Well I say, based on what I have I can do this. Time for wishing and waiting just is not there.
I will be engaging and working closely with all parties so as to keep everyone including you the reader up to date. Some might call me a 'mole' in the organisation but it is we moles that keep everyone motivated and involved in the projects being done.
Thanks for the warm welcome to the rest of the team and looking forward to the successful completion of the projects.
P.S. It is my first update and will get better along the way so less criticism and more encouragement.
What an exciting month it has been on the African continent, the World cup is all people talk about during the morning tea (chai). Most of Africa dropping out in first round, all of South America progressing to the second round, the shocks and surprises have been very entertaining. The Centre is also gradually nearing completion.
FFH Centre Building Construction
The list of what is yet to be done is now much much shorter than the list of what has been completed. These are the signs of a building nearing completion. All doors and windows were fitted, the plastering of walls and ceilings was completed, the floor screed was completed, the walling was completed, etc... We are left with painting of the interior spaces, fitting the glazing in the windows and doors, lighting and electrical fittings. The container for the tower is yet to arrive on site so we are yet without the tower.
Greenfields Football pitch and sub-base
The sub-base has been completed and we are waiting for the arrival of the shipping containers to the MYSA site. The containers safely arrived at the Mombasa port and were then transported to Nairobi where they are awaiting clearance by Customs before being transported to the MYSA site. As soon as these containers arrive the Greenfields team of installers will then be dispatched and they hope to complete the full installation within a week from the time of their arrival.
Next month..... will see the final completion of the Centre and the crowning of a new World Cup Champion. Feel free to browse the pic updates to check the progress on site as it happens.