#Design&Construction #Hydropower Projects #PumpStorage Projects #Delay Reasons
In the past, numerous companies have attempted to enter the hydropower sector, only to encounter failure. The underlying causes of these failures often remained undisclosed, likely to protect the interests of employees who prioritize personal gain over safeguarding the company from losses and embarrassment. The insights provided here are also applicable to the construction of Pump Storage Projects, as the two share many similarities.
👉One significant factor contributing to failure is overconfidence. There’s a misconception that hydropower projects can be executed with just project financing and managerial expertise, similar to other industrial ventures with lesser technical manpower requirements.
👉Another critical oversight is neglecting the need for seasoned technical staff. This includes both construction personnel and designers who can ensure safe and optimized designs without resorting to numerous post-award modifications.
👉Financial limitations within the construction agency often lead to inadequate deployment of experienced staff and quality equipment on-site, causing substantial delays in project completion.
👉Clients may also contribute to scope creep under the guise of safety or maintenance enhancements, often suggested by so-called construction experts or inexperienced designers with managerial backgrounds.
👉The creation of unrealistic construction schedules at the behest of upper management is another pitfall. To meet these ambitious timelines, sites may take shortcuts, compromising technical specifications and design integrity. Such practices can lead to component failure either during construction or shortly after project commissioning.
👉Project sequencing is another area prone to mismanagement. Deviating from the planned sequence not only incurs cost overruns but also complicates subsequent construction phases, especially in hilly terrains where premature construction of lower-level components can be damaged by debris from above.
👉Lastly, disregarding the insights of experienced technical staff about real-time construction challenges based on actual site conditions and the capabilities of the construction agency can be detrimental.
For a hydropower or Pump Storage Project to succeed, it’s crucial to have access to skilled construction engineers and designers including experienced geologists. Equally important is ensuring that all deployed equipment is in good working condition and available in adequate quantities.
Pursuing Master of Project Management
9moIs this project in africa in Rwanda