Public works awarded UK New Engineering Contract prizes (with photos)
The Signature Project Scheme in Sha Tin undertaken by the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) has been presented with a Highly Commended Award in the New Engineering Contract (NEC) Project of the Year category of the NEC Awards 2018 organised by NEC, an organisation under the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) of the United Kingdom (UK). The NEC also presented a Highly Commended Award in the NEC Contract Innovation Through Additional Clauses category to the Development Bureau (DEVB) and works departments. Both awards underscored the excellent performance and support given to innovation during project delivery through collaborative partnership by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government.
In recent years, the DEVB has been advocating collaborative partnership through the adoption of the NEC form in taking forward public works, shifting away from traditional form contracts. Since 2016, Practice Notes applicable to public works have been published for reference and adoption by the works departments and also the construction industry with a view to extending the application of the NEC form to more types of public works, while at the same time allowing industry stakeholders such as consultants and contractors to accumulate experiences.
The Signature Project Scheme in Sha Tin undertaken by the CEDD is one of the public works that adopted the NEC form. The project includes the decking of the Tai Wai nullah in Sha Tin and revitalisation of the Shing Mun River Promenade near Sha Tin Town Centre in order to enrich sports facilities in the district and enhance the environment by revitalising the Shing Mun River promenade. The thematic lighting system installed on the bridges across Shing Mun River has been in operation since June last year. Meanwhile, a five-a-side soccer pitch innovatively built over the existing nullah is expected to be completed within this year, which is five months ahead of the original estimation.
Attending the prize presentation ceremony on June 20 (London time) in London, the Deputy Project Manager (North) of the CEDD, Mr Law Man-tim, said that the building of mutual trust and co-operation among members of the project team in the early stage of the construction and the continuous efforts in maintaining such relationship is crucial to the successful implementation of the project. He added that through arranging regular meetings, workshops and activities, the communication and mutual trust among team members are effectively enhanced. The mechanism of early warnings set out in the works contract can also offer timely and effective solutions to the risks and challenges faced by the project, which facilitate its on-time and cost effective delivery.
In addition the DEVB and works departments proposed an innovative contract clause for professional service contracts in the NEC form. Also present at the awards ceremony, the Chief Assistant Secretary (Works) of the DEVB, Ms Hortensia Chan, pointed out that the relevant clause could promote equitable risk sharing between the Government and the consultants for costs incurred in site supervision, thereby ensuring quality site supervision and contract management.
