Last two months have seen us transform the project from a shell of brickwork only to a more appealing product. This was achieved by the installation of the external steel windows and doors and casting of the floor slabs with electrical conduiting within slab thickness.
It was rather unfortunate that we could not get the agreed upon under floor insulation quantities from the donors. This left us with 102sq.m of insulation donatedversus approximately a total of 178 sq.m. that was intended to be insulated. Eventually only the spaces that were going to have constant habitation would be insulated, thus essentially omitting out the passages, storage spaces, toilets and a portion of the hall out of the insulation equation.
Meanwhile out on the pitch - grading works progress had been stalled in light of a revision to the engineer’s proposals to bring in fill that would see the final pitch level higher and safer from effects of ground water. Unfortunately with the raise in rough grade level, would also be a raise in staggering unbudgeted expenses.
This is currently subject to negotiations between the consultants (Quantity Surveyor, Engineer, Greenfields engineers and AfH) with the intention to find a cheaper option that’s going to be as functional.
On other developments on the site – Sewer line was laid in place and connected to the municipal main line. – Water connection pipes have already been laid in place from municipal connection through to the building.
June 01
• D.F attended Site Meeting_02 on the 31st may 2012. Minutes and Images to be uploaded on worldchanging / OAN asap.
• Yingli shipment soon to be shipped off to South Africa. All logistics of the package have been sorted and only pending shipment.- further updates upon word from Francis Hillman.
• D.F still pursuing donations. - not been very forthcoming but trying everywhere possible.
• D.F mediating "Durowin" windows and doors quote to contractor (from Supplier) that was over the P.C sums allocated for this. D.F attempting to get discount that will sit within our PC sum and avoid any possibility of a change order. This sits at a critical path with construction progress. - Outcomes of my mediation will be communicated asap.
• Co-ordination of delivery of Isolite underfloor insulation. - **currently awaiting processing of a change order to accommodate payments to courier company.
• Pitch sub base tender breakdown issued on 21 may, 2012 - Awaiting resolution on comments made by D.F, as well as advice by AfH leads., also awaiting re-establishment of pitch levels / elevations from datum point - DMV Engineers.
JUNE 18
• D.F attended Technical Meeting_02 on the 14th June 2012. Minutes and Images to be uploaded on worldchanging / OAN asap.
• Yingli shipment soon to be shipped off to South Africa. All logistics of the package have been sorted and only pending shipment.- further updates upon word from Francis Hillman.
• Payment certificate number 1 to contractor has been processed and paid out - should already be in the cotractor's bank account latest before the 20th June 2012.
• Windows and door frames issue as reported (see last weeks update) has been resolved and an order has been placed by the contractor for these supplies. -construction will resume soonest these or the isolite insulation is delivered to site.
• Delivery of Isolite underfloor insulation is underway - payments to courier company have been made and delivery should be by mid week 18 - 22.
• Signing of the Greenfields contract is due to happen this week (duplicates and anomalies in the bid breakdown have been resolved). - Revised bid breakdown will be sent to AfH and sfw for perusal and onward sanctioning of contract signing.
• Pitch levelling was stopped by engineer due to wet and unstable ground (subsoil wetness) that need to dry completely - instructions were given to trench out around pitch to allow sub surface water to drain out faster before scarifying can resume.
MAY 04
• Technical meeting scheduled for 17th May 2012.
• YINGLI subcontractor made contact scheduling a meeting with D.F , S&W Consulting, and contractor's electrical subcontractor. - date to be determined asap.
• SA National Holidays: 27th of April - Freedom Day. 1st of May - Workers Day.
• Technical meeting scheduled for 17th May 2012.
• YINGLI subcontractor made contact scheduling a meeting with D.F , S&W Consulting, and contractor's electrical subcontractor. - date to be determined asap
MAY 11
• Technical meeting scheduled for 17th May 2012.
• Groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for the 30th May 2012 - details to follow.
• First site meeting scheduled convened on 3rd of May 12. - see minutes and images on Worldchanging forum.
• D.F and Engineer went to site (10 May 12) to inspect reinforcements to ground beams.(see images on worldchanging forum) - Both of us were satisfied upon inspection. concreting should be taking place on the 14th May 12.
• Pitch sub base tender breakdown yet to be issued by contractor.
• Site signboard complete and installed on site - check it out...
MAY 18
• Site meeting _02_scheduled for 31 May 2012.
• Groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for the 30th May 2012 - details/ confirmation of dates to follow.
• D.F to attend an impromptu land ownership discussion meeting at municipality offices.- 23rd May 2012 (this has been a long drawn standoff between the purported owners of the site versus the recorded owners of the site whom are dept of education).
• D.F will be observing only and assessing any impact this may have to construction
• First Technical meeting was convened on 17th of May 12. - see minutes and images on Worldchanging forum (OAN).
• Pitch sub base tender breakdown issued on 21 may, 2012 - comments made by d.f and sent back for amends/ clarification -AfH team cc'd in.
• Preliminary "work program" received.
MAY 29
• Site meeting _02_scheduled for 31 May 2012.
• Groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for the 30th May 2012 - details/ confirmation of dates to follow. - this may not happen until further notice - loveLife reported complications with dealing with the current municipal leadership.
• Payment certificate number 1 has been processed and handed to AfH_S.F on the 25th may 2012 - as per contract signed -this should be paid up in no more than 35 days. preferably 30.
• Q.S Invoice for extended scope of works, has been presented to AfH_S.F_pending further advice.
• D.F attended land ownership meeting and quite a few contentious issues were discussed, D.F quelled certain misrepresentations / misunderstandings leveled against us and hopefully all will go smooth and construction will not be affected.
• Pitch sub base tender breakdown issued on 21 may, 2012 - Awaiting resolution on comments made by D.F, as well as advice by AfH leads.
• Yingli shipment soon to be shipped off to South Africa. All logistics of the package have been sorted and only pending shipment.- further updates upon word from Francis Hillman..
APR 04
• 28 March 2012: Contractor contract counter-signed by AFH
• 2nd April 2012: Pre-Construction meeting
Report:
• DF had a pre-construction meeting this week.
• Construction starting next week.
APR 13
• PPG setting up on site beginning on 12th April 12. D.F planning to do an assesment visit on monday 16th april to verify progress.
Report:
• Bank guarantee and other documentation expected from next week from PPG. - reports and furnished documents will be shared as they come in.
• Coordination of donated material in progress_ to align with contractor needing the same at construction.
• D.F revising the finer details of the drawings to meet the changed revisions on the design. - **this will be an ongoing process through stages of construction.
APR 20
• First site meeting scheduled tentatively between the 1st and 3rd of May, 12. - This will coincide with an ispection (excavations, reinforcements etc) by the Engineer. D.F to notify all and co-ordinate exact dates and timing. - please refer to minutes of pre-construction meeting for reasons of non specific dates of future site meetings.
• D.F awaits expected documents from contractor as per outlined on the appointment letter.
Report:
• DF has had site walkabout with contractor on the 19th April ,12 to inspect site set up and building setting out - D.F was satisfied with status quo thus far - please see uploaded images on the worldchanging forum (construction minutes / memos tab).
• Contractor unhappy with the state of existing ablutions on site which are leaking left right and centre and causing a damp mess on his site and wasting water - he claims he will fix the leakages just to render them usable for his workmen.
• DF sorting out finer details on construction site sign board, working in conjunction with the printing agency appointed by contractor.
• D.F in contact with donors of underfloor insulation in preparation for a timeous delivery.
• Centrehost in conjunction with Municipality organising the ground breaking ceremony - will inform AfH with the dates.
APR 27
• DF , Contractor and councillor for Thibella region had an impromptu meeting on the 26th April to further deliberate issues of labour (as had been initiated a while back - see memo on worldchanging forum) - amicable solution found ,C.L.O introduced and presented to contractor and site foreman.
• D.F in contact with donors of underfloor insulation in preparation for a timeous delivery. - progress of this is satisfactory to D.F thus far
Centrehost in conjunction with Municipality organizing the ground breaking ceremony - will inform AfH with the dates. - dates not set yet but centrehost in constant contact with D.F. on this and enquiry of Construction progress.
MAR 05
• Contractor appointment - Adjusted tender amount agreed upon after design changes and reduction in floor coverage. (new amount meets FIFA's new budget cap). This new developments are a result of a meeting held on 27 th Feb.,12 between PPG Construction, SVP_QS, Bartsch Consult , Kevin Gannon via conference call and D.F.
• D.F in the process of finalising Contract document ready for spot review by AfH and signing thereafter by contracting parties (AfH and PPG Construction). - D.F will send this through by 23 Feb. 12 for the spot review.
• D.F also revising the finer details of the drawings to meet the changed revisions on the design.
• Q.S will quantify the changes on the drawings for records. Expected delivery date - 05 March, 12.
• PPG also indicate that they have warehouse storage for which we may proceed to order delivery of donated material without further delay.
• PPG upon discussions with Braam (Bartsch Consult) has clear direction towards sourcing VAT Exemption for this job. ***milestone event** -this process may run parallel to signing of contract less the VAT amount. - **signing of this contract will be dependent on how quick AfH S.F. can respond after revewing the contract before i can initiate the signing process with the contractor.
MAR 16
• D.F received go ahead (15 March, 2012) from AfH SF to initiate contract signing with PPG Construction. - Process will be guided by Ferdie (Q.S) on the 16th March upon Peter familiarising himself with the 137 page package.
• D.F waiting for electrical and Engineers updated drawings in order to load the full package of drawings on the OAN.
• D.F attending a community buy in meeting in site region on Friday 16th March, 12. -this has been organised by the municipality (Lovelife will be attending too). All nearby schools and Local chief are already on board and welcome the FFH Centre. (i must say the Municipality has done very well in doing their bit towards their deliverables and getting all affected locals informed and upbeat about the centre.)
MAR 29
• Signed Contract documents received by D.F on Monday 26th March, with comments to ammend portions. - Sorted out and resent to S.F. on 27th March, 12. - Awaiting countersigned contract
• D.F received all outstanding Consultants construction Documentation. **In the process of uploading into world changing forum**
• D.F scheduled a meeting with Local Councillor (Thibela) to discuss labour concerns that were highlighted at the community resolution meeting on the 16th March. - PPG Construction -Peter and loveLife's CLO will be attending this meeting with me. - meeting date: 26th March 2012 - Meeting gone successful thus far - see memo / minutes shared with team on sent - 28th March, 12.
FEB 03
• PPG Construction offered a discount of 1 % of the contract sum as anticipated.- a letter to this effect is included in the tender package submitted for sfw / FIFA review.
• Tender Package_Qwaqwa FFH Centre submitted to sfw / FIFA on the 02 Feb. 12, (allow 4 working days for review and approval / comments), Due back on the 08 Feb, 12.
• Municipality Water infrastructure - Markings done on site and connection to be done in the week of 30th Jan - 03 Feb. ,12. - Water connection completed on the 02 Feb. 02.
• Municipality Electrical infrastructure - trench dug out and cable laying in process. - progress to be reported on upon feedback from point of contact (Mr. Tebogho Mokhotsi) - M.A.P Electrical infrastructure dept.
• Building Permit still not acquired as had been promised by Municipal Building Control Dept. - D.F. putting a concerted effort to get this process with the Municipality to yield results.
• Land transfer process incomplete but sfw assures that it should not be a stumbling block and that AfH may proceed undetered.
FEB 10
• Building Permit for Qwaqwa FFH Centre is ready for collection.
• Water connection to site - completed on the 02 Feb. 02.
• Electrical connection - D.F unable to get progressive feedback from point of contact within the M.A.P Electrical infrastructure dept., however, D.F has made a plea with the directorate at the Municipality to intervene in this issue. Feedback on this is expected by 17th Feb.,12.
• Contractor (PPG Construction) is still not signed up as we await two issues to be sorted out :
# 1. Technicalities of the VAT exempt issue whereby we will be able to sign a contract with a sum less VAT since the project is a community social enrichment initiative and centrehost, sfw are a non profit organisation.
#2. Approval of Tender package submitted to sfw / FIFA on the 02 Feb.,12 and expected back on the 08 Feb,12.
• Isolite donation (underfloor insulation) ready for shipment from Cape Town to Qwaqwa (awaiting contractor to take possesion of site, then donation would be shipped to his storage and care during construction.
• D.F updating OAN with material thus far in the project.
FEB 17
• Electrical connection completed on the 13th Feb. 2012.
• Contractor (PPG Construction) is still not signed up because of new developments re: Budget constraints at sfw / FIFA Tender package review (amidst the unique challenges of Qwaqwa ffh centre construction costs). D.F. carrying out major revisions and changes to design, essentially scaling down the building to approx. 150 sq.m. (difference of approx. 30 sq.m.).
• D.F busy updating consultants of these new developments and the design changes.
• D.F. still is not sure if PPG will stick by us as per renegotiating the contract after the changes, let alone the VAT exempt issue which appears not to be as straightforward for them (PPG) as we expected.
FEB 24
• Contractor appointment - Adjusted tender amount agreed upon after design changes and reduction in floor coverage. (new amount meets FIFA's new budget cap). This new developments are a result of a meeting held on 27 th Feb.,12 between PPG Construction, SVP_QS, Bartsch Consult , Kevin Gannon via conference call and D.F.
• D.F in the process of finalising Contract document ready for spot review by AfH and signing thereafter by contracting parties (AfH and PPG Construction). - • D.F will send this through by 23 Feb. 12 for the spot review.
• D.F also revising the finer details of the drawings to meet the changed revisions on the design.
• Q.S will quantify the changes on the drawings for records. Expected delivery date - 05 March, 12.
• PPG also indicate that they have warehouse storage for which we may proceed to order delivery of donated material without further delay.
• PPG upon discussions with Braam (Bartsch Consult) has clear direction towards sourcing VAT Exemption for this job. ***milestone event** -this process may run parallel to signing of contract less the VAT amount. - **signing of this contract will be dependent on how quick AfH S.F. can respond after revewing the contract before i can initiate the signing process with the contractor.
JAN 13
• DMV Baeletsi (Engineers) completed some value engineering structural designs as a revision towards cost cutting. Q.S busy attending to remeassurements of the said structural designs before we can have figures on the table and readjust PPG's tender amount using his unit rates.
• Q.S and D.F planning to format a tender period extension letter to the top three possible contractors. Tender validity perion set to expire on the 26 January and needs to be attended to since expiry is imminent before we have a fully signed and approved agreement.
• D.F making good progress towards building permit with the municipality building department. Tentative dates for approval will be available next week.
• D.F se to follow up on the delivery of services (Elec, Water , waste collection) with the municipality as per MoU agreement.
Status of land transfer process is unknown at this time and needs to be resolved.
JAN 20
• PPG Construction is busy attending to the BoQ in an attempt to offer a discount on his bid. We hope he would get us something close to a 5% discount which would get us to meet our Approved D.D amount of 214 000 USD. PPG should be able to deliver this by close of next week (27th Jan,12) at the latest.
• Q.S and D.F planning to format a tender period extension letter to the top three possible contractors. ** Tender validity perion set to expire on the 26th Jan, 12. and needs to be attended to since expiry is imminent before we have a fully signed and approved agreement.
• D.F making good progress towards building permit with the municipality building department. *Municipality promised to have this ready by the 31st Jan, 12.
• D.F set to follow up on the delivery of services (Elec, Water, and waste collection) with the municipality as per MoU agreement. *process already initiated late last year. - the water dept. will get back to us by 24th Jan, 12 with feedback while the Elec dept will do the same on 23rd.
JAN 27
• PPG Construction (Peter) and D.F went to site for a reconaissance visit. (he had never been to site). He cited the challenge of distance as the major cost driver to his bid. It will be tough to get us the discount we need. 1% discount was received on January 30.
• Q.S did a letter of Tender validity period extension. - already shared with team and top 3 contractors.
• D.F attended municipality stakeholder progress meeting - meeting was unresponsive - Municipal manager (convenor of the meeting) was absent, but D.F did push through his agenda to those present.
Municipality Electrical infrastructure - trench dug out and cable laying in process.
• Municipality Water infrastructure - Markings done on site and connection to be done in the week of 30th Jan - 03 Feb. ,12.
• D.F making good progress towards building permit with the municipality building department.
• D.F and (RPM) Kevin had an intensive value engineering and Tender Adjudication process from 05 - 07 Dec - Report in process of compilation and subsequent sharing with project team (AfH).
• D.F visited Maluti -a- Phofung water dept.(contact person - Hlengiwe) for site orientation and clarifying of deliverables as per MoU.
• Update on services delivery to site as per MoU - Electricity infrastructure dept. in process of identifying and providing a connection.
• M.A.P Water in process of understanding what the MoU entails so as to provide the service. D.F following up with Municipality directorate stakeholder - Machela to elaborate our mission to M.A.P water so as they may proceed to avail a connection.
• Both parties above have been informed of the project time constraints.
• D.F preparing to submit tender report and required attachements for sfw / FIFA review.
• D.F. busy with Technical documentation drawings as an ongoing process of Tender period, and construction period.
NOV 04
• BoQ / Tender package has been approved by sfw/FIFA. Project will be going to tender shortly.
• DF setting up a meeting with Q.S. to discuss next steps forward.
• DF to act on obligation of Municipality regarding "services, reticulation and connections" as per MoU - This is geared towards making available the electricity connection to site in a smooth and timely manner. - pending meeting with Electrical infrastructure department of Maluti- A - Phofung director - Mr. Basil Ungerer on the 04 Nov 2011.
• Municipal submission of drawings awaits return of signed submission forms from Client - loveLife. - still pending. AfH expressed the urgency of this during the FFH Workshop in Cape Town.
• DF busy with Technical documentation drawings as an ongoing process of Tender period, and construction period.
• DF and centre host CLO are making arrangements to mobilize the Youth in preparation for tasks that may be required of them in manpower / skills contributions towards construction of the centre.
• DF and Cape Town office making arrangements to deliver donated underfloor insulation to site. - timing essential, soonest we have a contractor on board for storage purposes.
• DF in negotiations with gypsy manufacturers and suppliers seeking donation of sanitaryware. - awaiting to hear back from them.
• DF continually looking around the region for donors for materials and or services ahead of construction start. - ongoing process.
NOV 18
• BoQ / Tender package - Contractors in process of creating bids. Tender returns expected November 25.
• D.F. and Centre Host had a progress update meeting and visited site on 17 November.
• D.F to schedule a meeting with Municipality officials next week to discuss available services and site access options for contractor.(parking lot and current access to site does not form part of land leased to loveLife)
• D.F. busy with Technical documentation drawings as an ongoing process of Tender period, and construction period.
NOV 25
• BoQ / Tender package - Contractors in process of costing their bills. - process running smooth. - Tenders due back to Q.S on the 28 Nov 2011, 10 a.m.
• DF, QS and all Tendering Contractors had a SITE INSPECTION visit on 21 Nov. 2011. - for purposes of orientating all, and fielding questions from contractors.
• DF to discuss with Municipality official (Director of Infrastructure) about services and site access options for contractor.(parking lot and current access to site does not form part of land leased to loveLife)
• DF busy with Technical documentation drawings as an ongoing process of Tender period, and construction period.
OCT 07
• BoQ amendments by Q.S. due on 11/10/11 - this is due to unforeseen scheduling difficulties for the Q.S.
• AfH review of final tender package to begin 12/10. Submission to sfw / FIFA will now be tentative on the 14/10/11. Approval period of one week, 20/10/11. After which we may proceed with tendering instructions from Q.S.
• Municipality Submission will be on the 12/10/11.
• D.F. busy with Technical documentation drawings as an ongoing process of Tender period, and construction period.
• D.F. continually looking around the region for donors for materials and or services ahead of construction start.
OCT 14
• Awaiting BoQ ammendments by Q.S. due on 11/10/11
• Submission to sfw / FIFA will now be tentative on the 13/10/11. (1 week) therefore due back to AfH on the 20/10/11. After which we may proceed with tendering instructions from Q.S.
• D.F to strategize a fast track method with Q.S in order to expedite tender process.
• Municipal submission awaits return of signed submission forms from client, LoveLife.
• D.F. busy with Technical documentation drawings as an ongoing process of Tender period, and construction period.
• D.F. continually looking around the region for donors for materials and or services ahead of construction start.
• D.F attending to visa renewal process.
OCT 21
• Submission to sfw / FIFA of Tender package -21st October. Expected approval date, 28th October after which AfH may proceed with tendering instructions from Q.S.
• D.F received all contractor profiles which have been sent along with tender package to sfw/FIFA.
• D.F, AfH Cape Town, and sfw attending to Electrical consultant's queries as well as attempting to meet budget compliant BoQ on electrical works.
• Municipal submission awaits return of signed forms from Client - loveLife.
• D.F. busy with Technical documentation drawings as an ongoing process of Tender period, and construction period.
• D.F and Cape Town office are making arrangements to deliver donated underfloor insulation to site.
• D.F in negotiations with gypsy manufacturers and suppliers seeking donation of sanitary ware.
• D.F. continually looking around the region for donors for materials and or services ahead of construction start.
OCT 28
• BOQ submitted to sfw/FIFA. Awaiting response/approval. After which we may proceed to tendering.
• DF to act on obligation of Municipality re: "services, reticulation and connections" as per MoU - This is geared towards making available the electricity connection to site in a smooth timely manner.
• Municipality Submission of drawings awaits return of signed submission forms from Client - loveLife. - still pending.
• DF busy with Technical documentation drawings as an ongoing process of Tender period, and construction period.
• DF and Cape Town office making arrangements to deliver donated underfloor insulation to site.
• DF in negotiations with gypsy manufacturers and suppliers seeking donation of sanitaryware.
• DF continually looking around the region for donors for materials and or services ahead of construction start.
This month has been quite eventful in so many ways,
Let’s begin with the run up to Schematic Design submission; all was smooth running with myself pushing to get all information collated, shared and feedback bounced back in time to all the consultants/ team members in preparation for the submission.
With all distractions comes an opportunity to benefit in other ways, only if we keep an open mind and embrace the distraction proactively…To elaborate…due to the complexity of actionable tasks happening in the multiple ffh centres underway, coupled with man’s natural need for a breather, we had scheduled annual leave with key members of sfw and FIFA coinciding with approval periods, therefore affording us much needed extension of time to refine the S.D. submission.
This fell in good timing as we had a late/ overbudget feedback re: baseline costing from the Q.S. The extension of time gave us (AfH) an opportunity to review, revise, and recalculate costings and quantities to get as close as possible to stipulated maximum budget.
Eventually and timeously, S.D. submission went through on the 22 of March, 11 and subsequently approved by 1 April ,11.
Hats off to Engineer - Werner (DMV Baeletsi pty), AoR - Rudolf (BARTSCH), Noel (DAVIS LANGDON) , and Keneilwe (CentreHost) for their collective and individual efforts as part of the team towards achieving this Schematic Design milestone.
Despite the huddles that are inevitable while dealing with a team- re: key aspects of the project still pending action for various justifiable reasons-, we as a team did suffice what was at hand to meet the S.D. submission.
Other milestones that happened behind the curtains were- payment no. 1 of 2, made to Werner of DMV Baeletsi pty.
Looking forward, AfH (design fellow) will be presenting the project to the stakeholders at a meeting on site on the 20th April 2011…
Details of the outcome, next month…till then…lets keep the AfH engine at full steam..:)
This month has seen the stage set for a lot of real action in the coming months!. I must say it felt like a "donning a new pair of dancing shoes"...cutting to the chase. Here’s the story:The month that was February of 2011…
The fellow that finally saw the light..
The design fellow finally got it right on how to make a juicy story for an update. One that keeps you anxious till the next update...!..There’s always a first time to get things right and i guess this is day break for me!..
"The 2 in 1 super contract"
The long wild goose chase to customise the consultant contract documents finally came to a notable end. This was marked by signing of contract documents by our multi- professional Geo-Tech Engineer who also is qualified as a Structural Engineer.
This was much of a relief and joyous moment for the project and AfHers as we welcomed Werner Venter of DMV Baeletsi (pty) as our Geo-Tech / Structural Engineer.
Telepathy..
They say good news also never come singly....and as if in telepathy, on the other side of the country ,our Quantity Surveyor (Q.S.) was also putting pen on paper at the same time the Geo-tech engineer was!!..
The AfH - ffh team was honoured to welcome Noel Stevens of Davis Langdon, to the noble cause.
The event..
The actual Project is on the race track and it’s all systems go as we rev up the schematic design stage, pit stop with Quantity Surveyor for Baseline costing, though not before a few other quick but very important checks by Kevin and Gretchen who are the internal chief team service crew.
This seems to be going well, receiving the all-important nod to move forward by the chief team service crew and though still at the Q.S. pit stop, all seems fine and it’s going to be a hard push up to sfw / FIFA Schematic Design (S.D.) approval pit stop where the design fellow will have a week of refuelling for the next big thing....! Watch this space...
The peak moment this month was the diplomatic visit from Gretchen to our Cape Town office to strengthen the commitment to ffh as she had a week-long of intense workshops with AfH Cape Town as well as the strategic alliance partners from FIFA and sfw.
Architecture for Humanity would like to thank Eco-Insulation for their commitment to donate free insulation towards the construction of the Football for Hope Centre in Qwa Qwa! They have committed to providing free insulation for ceiling and interior wall cavities!
Eco-Insulation is a South African based company that manufactures sustainable building insulation. Their roof insulation is made in South Africa from recycled paper and milled (cellulose) to optimum density.
For more information please visit http://www.eco-insulation.co.za/.
RSA_Free State:a loveLife Y-centre Qwa Qwa Football For Hope Centre
•George is still awaiting clear confirmation from streetfootballworld about land agreements between Centre host and the municipality.(received general points on the land use agreements, pending a meeting between Centrehost and Municipality on_ 24th Jan 2010.)
•George is moving rather slow with doing design block / massing (due to uncertainity of building placement pending conclusive report on land agreements) on the schematic design package until streetfootballworld provides clear land agreement.
•Schematic Design start date is approximately four weeks behind schedule.
RSA_Free State:a loveLife Y-centre Qwa Qwa Football For Hope Centre
•George is still awaiting confirmation from the streetfootballworld about land agreements between Centre host and the municipality.
•George is moving rather slow with doing design block / massing on the schematic design package until streetfootballworld provides land agreement.
•Schematic Design start date is approximately three weeks behind schedule.
RSA_Free State:a loveLife Y-centre Qwa Qwa Football For Hope Centre
-Remuneration + scope of works (geo tech sevices + structural engineering services) proposal to Geo-Tech Engineer accepted. George and Kevin to refine details inclusion in the contract document to be sent through to Geo-Tech for signing.
-Q.S still posing questions on compensations and time commitments - George and Kevin to formulate an appropriate response. (Kevin off to receive medical attention)
-Architect of Record:Rates for Reimbursable expenses- attachment included in an Updated agreement already sent for signing stage.- Status- Still waiting, already prompted via mail
-Recommended choice of FFH Centre placement on site still yet to be confirmed in writing by CHS via sfw, Brief yet to be approved by FIFA through sfw. - Project progress unclear pending these confirmations.
-George busy preparing Budget Change Request document for review and approval by sfw.
-George also working through design, icorporating comments, amidst uncertainities around choice of centre placement.
-(Kevin off to receive medical attention - possibly back 10th Dec 10)
RSA_Free State:a loveLife Y-centre Qwa Qwa Football For Hope Centre
-D.F & Kevin put forward a a precise proposal (Estimated area AfH needs Geo -Tech services done, Amounts of money tha AfH has budgetted for the job,) to Geo-Tech Engineer. Status- awaiting response.
-Structural Engineer- AfH started talks (proposal) to Geo Tech Engineer to see possibility of engaging his services.(Geo-Tech's firm also qualified/ offers Structural Eng. Services)
-Architect of Record:Rates for Reimbursable expenses- attachment included in an Updated agreement already sent for signing stage.(AoR out of country this week- back Monday 6th Dec.)
-Recommended choice of FFH Centre placement on site still yet to be confirmed in writing by CHS via sfw, Brief yet to be approved by FIFA through sfw. - Project progress unclear pending these confirmations.
RSA_Free State:a loveLife Y-centre Qwa Qwa Football For Hope Centre
•http://openarchitecturenetwork.org/projects/lovelife-y-centre
-D.F received cost estimates from Geo-Tech Engineer (estimates look quite steep, Kevin & George strategising a negotiation for next week).
-Architect of Record:Rates for Reimbursable expenses- attachments received from them to include in an Updated agreement that will then proceed to signing stage.List of recommended Q.S.'s also received from AoR.
-Conference call with Centre Host - 17 Nov. 2010 - great feedback & enthusiasm from Centre Host.
-D.F. is now inccorporating feedback from Centre Host in conceptual design sketches. Recommended choice of FFH Centre placement on site still yet to be confirmed in writing by CHS via sfw.
-D.F putting together contract document packages to be sent to new list of recommended Q.S's from AoR.
RSA_Free State:a loveLife Y-centre Qwa Qwa Football For Hope Centre
•http://openarchitecturenetwork.org/projects/lovelife-y-centre
-D.F still awaiting on Geo-Tech Engineer.
-AoR - Held a conference call with AoR on the 11 Nov 2010, yet to receive some attachements from them to include in an Updated agreement that will then proceed to signing stage.
-On Q.S, D.F, still awaiting recomendations as promised by AoR.
-Confirmation of conference call to discuss brief with Centre Host scheduled for 17 Nov. 2010. (first round of comments from Centre Host already received via mail and responded to , run up to scheduled Conference call)
-D.F. still busy producing conceptual design sketches and diagrams assuming a recomended choice of Centre placement on site.
RSA_Free State:a loveLife Y-centre Qwa Qwa Football For Hope Centre
•http://openarchitecturenetwork.org/projects/lovelife-y-centre
-D.F progressing well with recruitment of Geo-Tech, [ sent contract docs to the Geo Tech, he responded with a list of questions, D.F. & K.G responded, waiting for outcome, hopefully signed documents]
-D.F. received a surveyed base plan of site indicating precise levels and positioning of services and existing soccer pitch only, [ sent through by Geo-Tech from his archives during his involvement with the same site in 1999]
-AoR confirmed receipt of contract documents , busy reviewing, promised to get back to D.F. by end of week, 05 Nov. 2010.
-On Q.S, D.F, still awaiting recomendations as promised by AoR , as well as awaiting possible pro-bono Q.S.[ Davis Langdon] that is yet to sign contract docs for Edendale. _has hinted towards signing up for both Edendale & Qwaqwa ffh centres.
-Brief + annexes sent through to Centrehost by sfw, awaiting confirmation of conference call to discuss brief, [sfw hints towards early next week]
-D.F. still busy producing conceptual design sketches and diagrams.
RSA_Free State:a loveLife Y-centre Qwa Qwa Football For Hope Centre
•http://openarchitecturenetwork.org/projects/lovelife-y-centre
-D.F. sent contract docs to the Geo Tech and has begun the process of contract clarification and negotiation.
-D.F. has received a surveyed base plan of site indicating precise levels and positioning of services and existing soccer pitch only
-Architect of Record confirmed receipt of contract documents , busy reviewing, promised to get back to George by end of week, 05 Nov. 2010.
-Quantity Surveyor: D.F. will potential use the same Quantity surveyor that is being used for FFH_Edendale – David Langdon. As an alternate option the Architect of Record will provide recommendations.
-Brief + annexes sent through to Centre host by streetfootballworld, awaiting confirmation of conference call to discuss brief
-D.F. is currently producing conceptual design sketches and diagrams.
RSA_Free State:a loveLife Y-centre Qwa Qwa Football For Hope Centre
•http://openarchitecturenetwork.org/projects/lovelife-y-centre
-Brief submitted to streetfootballworld ,George is awaiting confirmation of conference call with center host (streetfootballworld to confirm dates after liaising with centre host)
-D.F. sent contract documents to Architect of Record, scheduled to discuss finer details on the 29th Oct. 2010.
-Possibility of Edendale and Qwaqwa projects being handled by similar Q.S
-Established / engaged discussions with geo-tech engineer, sent through contract documents, should be reviewing details with geo-tech - 29th Oct 2010.
-Currently working on conceptual design.
RSA_Free State:a loveLife Y-centre Qwa Qwa Football For Hope Centre
•http://openarchitecturenetwork.org/projects/lovelife-y-centre
-Design brief was submitted to streetfootballworld for review on October 19.
-D.F. returned from a conference in New York on October 21
-A preliminary contract was submitted to a potential Geotech engineer on October 15
-Verbal agreement confirmed for pro-bono Quantity surveyor services for the project, expect contract ready for Architecture for Humanity-San Francisco signatures Nov 1.
-Local architect identified, negotiations in process
-Base drawings and conceptual design studies in process
-Design Brief and Conceptual Design review call to be scheduled with streetfootballworld/Love Life.
RSA_Free State: a loveLife Y-centre Qwa Qwa Football For Hope Centre
•http://openarchitecturenetwork.org/projects/lovelife-y-centre
-George is revising the design brief and will re-submit to streetfootballworld for review by 15 Oct
-To receive detailed services layouts for proposed site area- from Maluti-a-phofung municipality - Chief Town planner - Friday 1st_oct_10.
-Architect of Record to respond to George today _14 Oct 2010 after going through sample contract docs + related documents.
-Positive response from geo-tech engineers showing interest to get involved with the project, George will send geotech contract on October 15
-Proceeding with conceptual design work.
-D.F. is traveling to New York, to represent the team in Cape Town, for an Architecture for Humanity conference.-DLYGAD – NYC LIVE. He will return on October 20.
RSA_Free State: a loveLife Y-centre Qwa Qwa Football For Hope Centre
•http://openarchitecturenetwork.org/projects/lovelife-y-centre
-Finalising brief document to be submitted to sfw for review by the 08 Oct._10.
-To receive detailed services layouts for proposed site area- from Maluti-a-phofung municipality - Chief Town planner - Friday 1st_oct_10. - Status: not received yet, Town planner out of office till Monday. 11th Oct._10
-To stast liaising with AoR to get a solid commitment, + follow up on AoR promise to assist in identifying QS.
-To start conceptual design work.
RSA_Free State: a loveLife Y-centre Qwa Qwa Football For Hope Centre
•http://openarchitecturenetwork.org/projects/lovelife-y-centre
-Completed site visit report and forwarded to Kevin for review.
-Compiling brief document - to be discussed with Kevin, + team on monday 4th_sept_10.
-To receive detailed services layouts for proposed site area- from Maluti-a-phofung municipality - Chief Town planner - Friday 1st_oct_10.
RSA_Free State: a loveLife Y-centre Qwa Qwa Football For Hope Centre
•http://openarchitecturenetwork.org/projects/lovelife-y-centre
-D.F has returned to Capetown from his site visit to Qwa Qwa. He is currently preparing the design brief to be submitted to streetfootballworld for review.
-D.F. liaised with relevant Local government authorities with respect to technical aspects that may be required before and during construction of the FFH centre.
-D.F. acquired cadastral information from Town Planning department and will receive site drawings from them on September 28.
-D.F. met with one potential Architect of Record
It has been a very eventful month of trying to finalise the building as well as the pitch sub base works.
The building progress looks quite impressive given all the challenges that come with such lean budget projects. The quality work is just as impressive. To appreciate this fact, one would have to go to the files tab on this noble forum that is the “worldchanging website”, “site visit” photos, to see and get a feel of the unfolding Qwaqwa FFH Centre.
Basically the building is at roofing works stage, and trusses are in place, laminated beams are yet to be delivered to site. Roof sheets have been sourced. Yingli appointed sub-contractors have been gearing up to arrive and install the solar panel array which has since arrived in the country and in their possession.
The works have been occasionally deterred by inclemental weather (heavy snow during the month of August – effectively stalling construction for almost a week, heavy rain in the month of September that affected much of the pitch grading works due to soggy ground making it impossible to work through the levels and compaction.)
With these kinds of occurrences, the contractor would be well within his contractual parameters, to put in an extension of time claim. We can only hope the time extensions will not adversely affect completion of pitch grading works against delivery of the geo textile that is critical before sub base layers can be laid and compacted.
We also have had a new contractual development whereby we (AfH) will effectively carry the contract for pitch sub base works (previously between Greenfields and a competitive bidding contractor). This is a much welcome idea, seeing that we can now include this in the existing main building contract, and just do a variation order for the extra costs, making it easier to administer the pitch scope of works.
Currently we are waiting for the contractor to get clarifications from Greenfields technical drawings (that have changed considerably since initial bid), revise his bid before we can work through budgetary issues ahead of contract signing and handing over the works.
All this need be timed and aligned with the delivery of the Greenfields containers that contain the all-important – the geo fabric that need be installed before pitch sub grades.
All in all, it has been a great deal of excitement to have got so far with the project and most importantly to funders, we are very much within the budget constraints as per the tender amount accepted.