CDM News - May 2008 - (Page 5) “It’s an honor to support this critical recovery and community rebuilding program, which not only provides vital facilities, but also helps to restore hope among the millions affected by the devastating quake.” — J. Ellis Turner, P.E., BCEE, CDM senior vice president and contract manager On behalf of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), CDM is delivering a 5-year, $120 million design and construction management-at risk program to reconstruct approximately 150 schools, health clinics, and district-level hospitals. Support for the program is part of the $1.5 billion in aid from the U.S. government to Pakistan to improve economic growth, education, health, and governance, and assist with earthquake reconstruction. CDM’s team has encountered—and resolved— myriad challenges. An accelerated schedule, security issues, the quality of local health and safety practices, and variations in construction practices have required an emphasis on hands-on training, a robust quality assurance program, and close coordination with USAID. But according to Tarek M. Selim, CDM vice president and chief of party, the biggest challenge is managing the expectations of local residents, government officials, and other stakeholders. “This high-profile program began 1 year after the earthquake, so expectations were already elevated. We arrived and started designing the first three schools within weeks.” Mountains of Challenges Previous page: Once the new schools are finished, thousands of students across the region will no longer have to attend classes outside or in drafty tents. Anthony V. Mirabella, CDM vice president and project director, added, “We focused on the most accessible locations. We wanted to establish initial success, create momentum, and set up systems that would help us get buildings in place quickly.” CDM developed a modular approach based on seismically sound structural designs and locally available As USAID’s implementing partner for the Pakistan materials. The sites themselves pose significant Earthquake Reconstruction and Recovery Program, challenges, and identifying suitable locations in CDM prepares site assessments, conducts commuareas that are often remote, austere, steep, and nity outreach and capacity building, develops geologically unstable has required persistence. building designs, constructs facilities, provides When structures cannot be rebuilt where they quality control, and supports reconstruction-related once existed, the team looks to centrally locate events. All buildings will meet internationally facilities and serve even more people. recognized earthquake-resistant standards and will provide access for the handicapped. USAID and CDM are working closely with Pakistan’s Earthquake Reconstruction & Rehabilitation Authority to rebuild communities and strengthen economic well-being. “It’s an honor to support this critical recovery and community rebuilding program, which not only provides vital facilities, but also helps to restore hope among the millions affected by the devastating quake,” said J. Ellis Turner, P.E., BCEE, CDM senior vice president and contract manager. Left: The project team has adopted the phrase, “safe, durable, and low maintenance,” meaning that all buildings, such as this planned health care facility, are maintainable by the local community and able to withstand the ever present seismic risks. Lower left: At some locations, the team addresses the challenges of steep hillsides by siting facilities on two levels. 5
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