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PROFILE : A proactive approach reduced project expenses, saving costs

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Contracts Manager Clarence Dlamini shares his story about a project provided him with valuable insights on proactive problem-solving, communication, and record-keeping, showcasing my professional growth.


As a site agent on a project in Hendrina, Mpumalanga, I encountered a challenging situation due to a high water table. The site, previously used for maize farming and grazing, was selected during the dry season. However, construction commenced in February during the rainy season, resulting in a high water table.

The project involved the construction of a starter wall, safety berm, internal and external drains, solution trench, access road, and plastic-lined RWD. The high water table, which saturated the soil and rocks up to 800mm, prevented us from starting operations on site. This increased water content posed a risk of landslides.

The main lesson learned from this project was the importance of proper project planning to avoid cost overruns. It also highlighted the unsuitability of the summer season for construction projects, especially earthworks.

To address the challenge, we undertook a costly and logistically demanding site dewatering exercise to lower the water table. This added three months to the project timeline. Regular monitoring of water levels was necessary to ensure stability during and after the dam's construction.

Despite the challenges, this project provided me with valuable insights. It revealed my ability to be proactive, which helped save costs and time for both the contractor and the client. It also emphasized the significance of effective communication and proper record-keeping.

Overall, this project stands out as a significant learning experience, contributing to my professional growth and development.


Clarence Dlamini, Recently completed a Master's in Management program, holds a Professional Construction Manager (PrCM) certification , a Bachelor of Technology in Civil Construction Management and PG Diploma in Project Management. With over 22 years of experience in the construction industry, primarily focused on roads and earthworks projects, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his current role as Contracts Manager.

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