The Zayed City Schools PPP project (Abu Dhabi) has achieved a significant milestone by completing 3 million man-hours of work without any lost-time injuries. This accomplishment was reached in October 2023, just 10 months after construction began.
To celebrate this achievement, the project hosted an HSE awards ceremony on November 20th. The event was attended by various stakeholders, including representatives from government and private sectors, among which our clients Department of Education and Knowledge and Abu Dhabi Investment Office, our partner Plenary, and of course our colleagues from Concessions and of Facility Management. Awards and gifts were given to all parties and workers.
During the ceremony, stakeholders observed the adherence to HSE standards and monitored the project's progress to ensure compliance with the timeline and quality standards.
In terms of construction progress, the three schools are right on schedule. Plaster works have been successfully completed, and efforts are now focused on mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. Finishing works are also gaining momentum as air handling units and chillers have been installed on the roof, following the execution of the waterproofing system and roof equipment foundations.
The project is not only progressing well internally but is also enhancing its appearance externally. The installation of aluminum glazing on the façade and internal aluminum doors adds a touch of modernity to the buildings' aesthetics. Additionally, external works are ongoing with precast boundary wall systems emerging from the ground. Substations have undergone inspection by the Abu Dhabi Distribution Company, while preparations for temporary power by the first quarter of 2024 year are already underway.
As the project nears completion, the team's current focus is on the handover process. Internal workshops with subcontractors have commenced to ensure a seamless delivery of the project by the designated service availability date.
The commitment to safety demonstrated by the Zayed City Schools PPP project is truly commendable. With 3 million man-hours of work completed without any lost-time injuries, it sets a high standard for other construction projects in terms of prioritising the well-being and safety of all workers involved. Congratulations to everyone involved in this achievement, and may this dedication to safety continue throughout the remainder of the project and beyond!
More about the project: The project encompasses three modern school campuses with a combined capacity of accommodating 5,360 students. BESIX is overseeing all aspects of the project from financing, design, procurement, construction, commissioning, to 20-year operations and maintenance. This is the UAE’s first schools infrastructure private-public partnership, a pioneering project that paves the way for private sector participation in the development on the country’s social infrastructure.
