Tawfiq Raji

Project: New Orbital Highway Contract 4, An Ashghal Expressway Programme Project
Client: Ashghal Public Works Authority
Cost: QAR 3.35 Billion ~ USD $910 Million

-As this project is nearing substantial completion, I was approached by DEC to join their team and aid in the project handover phase and construction of 9 MV substations. My duties involved the following:

-Ensuring all documentation (as built surveys, IFC/Red-line drawings, method statements, warranty certificates, test certificates, spare parts lists, snag lists, etc.) are in line with the project Quality Management Plan and acceptable by the client;

-Liaising with the consultant and stakeholders to ensure that requirements are met as per the project agreement;

-Managed teams of in-house staff and subcontractors with the complete construction of 9 medium voltage substations, including an operation and control centre. Managed all activities including earthworks, structural, MEP, architectural, electrical and T&C/handover;

-Ensured scaffolding, steel reinforcement, falsework, concreting (blinding, columns, grade beams, roofs) and finishing were performed as per QCS (Qatar Construction Standards, based on ASTM, BS and EN standards);

-Implemented cost saving measures by reducing wasted material and promoting reuse of existing material, and optimization of resources/work phasing;

-Day to day responsibilities included extensive planning, scheduling, material procurement, production/quantity tracking, quality control, initiating/following up on design changes, RFIs, submittals, drawings and reviewing/approving payment certificates based on field progress;

-Contributed to developing resolutions for technical engineering problems and coordinating application of the agreed upon solutions on site;

-Maintained work site presence to observe situations that may affect programme performance and potential cost implications, and advised on mitigation methods and optimization of resources and production.

Project: Lusail Light Rail Transit, A Lusail City Development Project
Client: Qatar Railways Company
Cost: QAR 9.9 Billion ~ USD $2.72 Billion


-Coordinated Alstom utility activities throughout the LRT Depot, including installation of traction/APS/multi-tubular/camera network/duct work below test track area;

-Acted as Interface Coordinator between Alstom and QDVC for all work at the LRT Depot, including managing shared work areas and handover of operation and maintenance facility buildings to Alstom.

Project: New Orbital Highway Contract 2, An Ashghal Expressway Programme Project
Client: Ashghal Public Works Authority
Cost: QAR 4.25 Billion ~ USD $1.17 Billion


-Determining utility relocation cases based on clashes with proposed civil structures, and creating solutions that are feasible and can be accomplished in a timely manner.

-Contributing in project teams in the planning, design, procurement, equipment mobilization, construction processes and foreseeing project risks by determining mitigation strategies.

-Directly responsible for the coordination of key extra-high voltage work to enable the functional use of the proposed carriageway. This includes 400kV underground relocations, 220kV and 400kV overhead transmission line relocations, and 66kV underground and overhead line relocations.

-Managed subcontracted utility relocations (reviewing contracts, reviewing costs/resources, comparing planned work vs. actual work using as built surveys, contract administration, managing claims).

-Gathered necessary permits for required construction activities.

-Relocating existing utilities (Water, TSE, Electrical, Telecommunications) into their permanent respective corridors with respect to the 7 major interchanges on Contract 2 of the New Orbital Highway.

-Performed construction observation and field engineering services (daily reports, running costs, managing resources/equipment, daily site visits to ensure optimum production and resource allocation).

-Analyzing processes based on drawings and specifications.

-Managed teams of over 50 personnel (site engineers, foremen, etc) by providing vision and leadership to facilitate an enthusiastic approach to complete the works on time and budget.

-Supervised construction activities such as excavation, piling, asphalt placement, dewatering, watermain/sewage rehabilitation, and detour instatement at various sites and ensured quality of work;

-Created Milestone Lane Closure Reports outlining the cost and schedule;

-Created Traffic and Transit Management Plans detailing various activities such as transit and traffic detour drawings, ensuring haul trucks use designated routes and during specific hours according to the Project Agreement;

-Coordinated with the Design team to ensure road modifications are in line with Client requirements and altering designs where needed;

-Client and Community liaison work such as: Informing and obtaining approval from the Client (City of Ottawa) of future detours and informing the public of future detours through public seminars and media;

-Obtaining various permits for construction works such as: Road Cut permits, Notice to Proceed, and Environmental permits.

-Performed weekly updates of the project schedule, including updating the baseline schedule (on Primavera P6);

-Proactively engaged in developing the Risk Management Plan and determining associated project risks, their potential consequence and mitigation opetions;

-Created weekly construction updates for different departments, including the community liaison team.

-Gained familiarity with the processes involved in relocation utilities; obtaining permits, aided in the development of a subcontract, aided in the development of a 90 days, 120 days and mitigated schedule;

-Performed site safety audits ensuring all subcontractors are complying with Kiewit-EllisDon's project safety policies;

-Updated roll plots based on existing utilities, and determined any obstructions (signs, buildings) that could interfere with new hydro lines.

Responsibilities included: Carry out take offs and assembling cost sheets as well as setting up and maintaining organized estimate records.