The SA Rail Commuter Corporation (SARCC) is the newest "convert" to construction management - the building procurement method proven to be most effective in the empowerment of emerging contractors.

It has appointed ASA Construction Services as construction manager on the multimillion rand Katlehong station project which was officially launched by Deputy President Thabo Mbeki today (subs: Tues 13 Oct).

The high profile project involves the reconstruction and re-opening of four stations which were closed down during the political violence on the East Rand in the early Nineties - Kwesine, Pilot, Lindela and Katlehong.

And, in addition to putting the area back on the commuter rail network, it will employ dozens of local contractors who, in accordance with the construction management system, have successfully tendered for various work packages which make up the project.

Obviously it will be the function of ASA Construction Services, as construction manager, to contain costs and co-ordinate the work.

"But more importantly," says CEO Adam Smith, "our team will ensure the on-site transfer of management skills and know-how, so that emerging contractors and previously disadvantaged building professionals are able to compete in the mainstream for further work once this project is complete.

"Indeed, this process of genuine empowerment is the particular relevance of construction management in the South African context, and one of the system's major advantages over the traditional method of building procurement.

"We have already applied it successfully to projects for Eskom and the Airports Company, and are proud to have the opportunity to do so for the SARCC."

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