Construction Project Manager Euginia Minyuku shares her site story that taught her the importance of following the contract to the letter.
The South African construction industry has been beset by challenges in the last 10 years. However, one of the most fulfilling aspects of my career as a construction professional has been seeing projects through to completion, despite these challenges.
This industry is known for being a tough one, but I have learned that resilience, knowing the right people, and building meaningful relationships are essential for success.
On a personal level, I cannot say that there is one particular project that has impacted me more than the others. Every project is different, and so are the challenges. However, I always say that my current project is a project of many firsts, both good and bad.
On this project, I am a site agent responsible for managing the day-to-day and technical aspects of the project, including contractual aspects. I am also responsible for preparing reports, conducting quality assurance inspections, and attending meetings.
This project has stood out to me because it has emphasized the importance of always following the contract to the letter. This is to safeguard myself and the organization that I work for. It has also made me understand the importance of always being prepared for the possibility of a project divorce.
Initially, I made the assumption that all parties involved in a project have the same goal. However, I now know that assumptions are very dangerous in projects. The one lesson that I will always take with me is that no matter the relationship you have with the stakeholders, always document everything contractually. This will come in handy one day.
Knowing my project contract and its requirements, and recording the events, has enabled me to overcome the temptation of making assumptions about stakeholders and their goals.
On a more general level, I believe that the so-called "construction mafia" is the biggest threat facing the South African construction industry. They make it difficult for contractors to complete projects, as they often demand money that they did not work for. This eventually affects the project's cash flow. This is a problem that the South African government needs to address.
Euginia Minyuku - is a Candidate Construction Project Manager with 15 years experience, she holds a National Diploma in Building Science
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