Bernard Aghomi
BUILDING ENGINEER, CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MANAGER, & RENEWABLE ENERGY EXPERT
- Offering 28 Years of benchmarking experience. Extensive experience in engineering, management & construction of projects
Location A Nigerian National, practiced in Nigeria, Liberia, and recently in Ghana, West Africa.
Activity
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Bernard Aghomi made a comment
Data can be factually correct, or incorrect, depending on the integrity/honesty of the recorder in giving actual data, the structure of the questionnaire as to whether it it leads to empirical figures, a true-false kind of entry, or a subjective entry that allows opinions of the recorder, etc.
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Bernard Aghomi replied to Baiju K
By credibility, I suppose we are talking about the authenticity and reliability of the source?
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The REEM Innovation readiness report points a useful direction in achieving sustainability in the Battery technology development, especially ,if alternative natural commonly available materials could be found to substitute rare earth metals like lithium in the lithium-ion battery production, etc.
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Bernard Aghomi made a comment
The presentation was quite enlightening. Thanks to the educator.
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@ChinonsoA . Hi that is right.
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Bernard Aghomi replied to Ajay David
@EmmaDutton Hi Thanks for your comments. I am concerned about the collection schemes doing recycling, and production, sustainably. I hope that policies, and standard practices adequately encourages/facilitates sustainable development in the industry.
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Bernard Aghomi replied to Ajay David
Hi Brian. Thanks again for response. Is there any solution to reusing discharged or "dead" batteries, or even reducing it's wastes, sustainably?
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Bernard Aghomi made a comment
Thank you for the definition of useful scientific and technical terms.
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@keithtwort Hi Keith, please do you imply from your statement that transmission losses occurs during charging of secondary cells? I thought that the charging simply consumes power.
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@michaelW . Thanks for explanation.
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Bernard Aghomi replied to Ajay David
@BrianRogers Hi Brian, thanks for your comment. How would the reusable option be, without financial and environmental cost? I remember in times past when discharged disposable batteries were exposed to sunlight to obtain some charge. Could improvement in this direction be positive towards the reusable option? What in your opinion would enable a reusable...
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Bernard Aghomi made a comment
Battery back-up in off-grid solar power supply system has been very effective in meeting household needs.
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Bernard Aghomi replied to Ajay David
Thanks to all. Waste reduction is a key element in sustainable development, especially where depletion of natural resources are involved. Technology should be considering rechargeable batteries, and recycling possibilities, rather than disposable ones.
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Use of Batteries indeed optimizes energy management practices. Energy efficient solutions are imperative, when one considers that transmission losses are up to 30%, and generations losses from some power plants are up to 60%(DUKES).
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Storage of batteries in well ventilated areas, and standard safety conditions, reduces/eliminates dangers from their usage.
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I thought loss of power during transmission results from environmental and technical factors. However part of transmitted power may be used for charging.
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@keithtwort has mentioned an energy generation management option for a hydro power station. The concept of storing resource for energy generation, or excess generated energy, to cope with times of peak or high demand, is appreciated.
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Bernard Aghomi made a comment
Optimizing resources through effective storage option is a welcome development.
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Bernard Aghomi replied to Brian Rogers
Clarity of materials to avoid puns, would be helpful.
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Bernard Aghomi made a comment
I appreciate the depth of knowledge and contributions of the educator, Anna Darmani, and also the availability of facilitator, Dimitra Maleka. I hope for the best in this program.
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Bernard Aghomi replied to Brian Rogers
More clarity to avoid puns, would be appreciated.
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Bernard Aghomi made a comment
Adequate knowledge of battery technology is necessary for optimizing renewable energy supply, in meeting domestic and industrial needs.
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Bernard Aghomi made a comment
Economic sustainability has to do with efficient use of technology (Lean Construction, BIM, Sustainable Project Management, Life Cycle Cost Analysis, Just-In-Time Methods,etc.), to optimize resources, such that the benefits exceeds costs, over the life cycle of the project. Environmental sustainability is about striving to achieving a balance, such that the...
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Bernard Aghomi made a comment
Reduction in wastage of wood is a worthy approach to environmental sustainability. Wood waste could be re-engineered to meet other needs on site for the benefit of stakeholders, and society. Education and training are necessary, in creating awareness, and developing a culture of sustainability.
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Indeed, energy efficiency is a way to go.
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@MichaelSuetos @SamHuggins , the idea of recycling plastic sounds good, but are we reducing Co2, with the continued processing of plastics? Are all plastics reusable? Is it appreciated that being reusable, is not being renewable? Management of plastic wastes is a daunting task considering the huge volume involved!! I recommend the use of wood which is...
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@AndrewBird , agreed
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Bernard Aghomi made a comment
Education and training are key to achieving sustainability, to the point of making it a culture, in private lives, organizations, and society. This endeavor should be backed by the applications of government regulations, policies, incentives, green building rating systems etc.
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The self motivation of continuous professional development is key to impacting successful outcomes, in promoting sustainable development.
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Continuous professional development is key to success in the industry.
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Bernard Aghomi made a comment
The challenges are, lack of appropriate policies, the need of creating awareness/training, etc.
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@ChrisPegge , agreed
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@KellyFleming @JeffJ motivation to adopt sustainable development based considerations of future children's need is good, but I believe it is not all about cost, but in this context, looking for optimized options that have least negative impact on our environment, and how best to fund the option, if benefits are satisfactorily higher than cost. Tax incentives...
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Bernard Aghomi made a comment
Social sustainability is all about ensuring the well being of the end users, from the conceptual stage, through out the life cycle of the project; and also the well being of those involved in the construction process; the communities, affected by the project.
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Bernard Aghomi replied to Rab Miller
@RabMiller I think concepts of sustainable development from the conceptual stage is probably missing. Probably, a wealthy developer not achieving his desire!! A good neighbor with knowledge of sustainability may help out, through enlightening them and making an offer.
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Bernard Aghomi made a comment
Green building ratings worldwide, should be adapted to local cultural, and climatic settings, for governments to effectively apply them. Government should manage progressive green development like Singapore, create incentives, to encourage, implementation. The professional bodies and professionals should assist the authorities in creating awareness, and...
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Bernard Aghomi replied to Daniel Velichkov
@DanielVelichkov I agree that legislation is necessary to enforce implementation of green policies. Thanks.
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Bernard Aghomi replied to Geoff Black
I think Green standards, should be modifies to conform to local cultural and climatic settings, for it to be effective.
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Bernard Aghomi replied to Sam Huggins
I agreed that both sides must act, but government policies, and incentives sets the pace, and direction.
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Bernard Aghomi replied to Richard Mills
@RichardMills , well appreciated.
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Bernard Aghomi made a comment
I appreciate the green development in Singapore, a land with very few natural resources, as Asian leader in sustainable development, compared to its neighboring Asian countries, such as Malaysia, which has much natural resources; the use of policies to gradually implement its Green Mark rating system; the satisfactory assessment by the UN as meeting goals in...
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Bernard Aghomi replied to Geoff Black
@SamHuggins , agreed from a social point of view.
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Bernard Aghomi made a comment
I think Crossrail project is a sustainable development; economically, in terms of the benefit/cost assessment, and sustainable project management practice; environmentally, from potential reduction in use of fossil fuel cars; socially in terms of jobs creation, provision of homes, and good safety construction records.
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Benefit/ cost analysis, should inform a fair judgement.
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I appreciate the learning legacy. I also appreciate the impact on the environment, in terms of mass reduction in the use of fossil fuel driven cars.
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@StuartFindlay, Benefit/ cost analysis should inform a fair judgement on economic sustainably. The records local employment, homes provided, recreational facilities, construction safety practice, and records, clearly indicates, social sustainability.
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Managing increasing population in urban centers like London, through multi-faceted infrastructural development like Cross rail, is laudable. However, managing rural-urban migration that may in the future challenge the Cross rail development, could indeed be solved through extending such developments as Cross rail, to rural areas.
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Bernard Aghomi made a comment
LCCA, SPM, BIM, all points to one efficient direction to achieving economic sustainability; They all conform to Egan, and Latham reports in terms of collaborative engagement of stakeholders, from the conceptual stage of development, and by considerations of all life cycle activities of the project. For example, BIM, through simulation of performance of...
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Bernard Aghomi made a comment
I have attended seminars on BIM, and have attempted the concepts on a project, with use of ARCHICAD software.
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Bernard Aghomi made a comment
My recent projects had collaborative approach with all stakeholders involved, and been successful.
A less collaborative project was a school project being built by a church; and the member leading the effort called for free services as contributions to the development; so, an Architect designed and submitted, the engineers designed at their own pace and time,... -
@NefertMoussa ,engaing the service of a qualified/competent Building/Civil engineer on , with sound knowledge of structures, should help your company cope with project demands.
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This is good if there is budget in the project for it.
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Bernard Aghomi made a comment
I am most grateful for the opportunity of learning more about sustainable development. I appreciate the quality of presentation, the depth and scope of coverage, the hardwork and attention of Adrian Montague, and support of Michael Hammond, in making this course a successful interactive model. I thank fellow colleagues who willingly shared resources, and...
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Bernard Aghomi replied to ASLAM NADAF
@MichaelHammond Thanks
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Bernard Aghomi replied to Steve Esau
Thanks
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Bernard Aghomi replied to Muaz Hassan
Many thanks
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@AdrianMontague Many Thanks
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Bernard Aghomi made a comment
This interactive course, and other available information should be harnessed, improved upon to form a curriculum, and continuously improved upon with subsequent reviews.
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@AnneO'Beirne @AdrianMontague , thanks.
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@SamHuggins , thanks for the links.
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@MichaelHammond , Agreed.
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@AdrianMontague , thanks for the program.
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@MichaelHammond , Thanks for the program.
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Yes, indeed a very useful course.
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Commissioning and handing over procedures should be thorough and involve stakeholders/end users/maintenance team.
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Bernard Aghomi made a comment
With increasing awareness on sustainability, future buildings should develop organically, that is consider the needs of stakeholders/end users from the conceptual/design stage, throughout the life cycle. Larger percentage of the materials should be locally sourced, technology should be appropriate to the development of the environment for easy adaptation, and...
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I hope this dream would soon be a total reality, considering present development and achievement in this direction
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I think there would be improvement, if policies to control overpopulation, and its impact on the natural environment are enacted and applied. Work has to be done to improve quality of lives through social and economic policies/programs, which would through a holistic approach of concept of sustainable development, while considering local technologies,...
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Bernard Aghomi replied to ASLAM NADAF
Fine presentation
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Bernard Aghomi made a comment
I participated in bids for renewable energy pilot projects(solar, Hydro, Biomass), in selected towns/communities in Liberia. I also have been involved in Eco-friendly housing developments, using local renewable resources, and achieving remarkable energy savings, cost savings, and user satisfaction.
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Great Gloria. Are you aware of the Ghana Green Building council, and the support of the Energy ministry on renewable energy? You make tap from these resources, and others based in Africa, if available at the time you are implementing.
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Bernard Aghomi made a comment
Creating awareness/education, that enables a culture of sustainable development among people; support of authorities with adoption of regulatory standards, as BREAM, LEEDS, etc.
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Bernard Aghomi made a comment
These buildings, and their depth of application of the concepts of sustainable development, raises hope of its adaptability to both simple and highly technological structures, anywhere, through innovation.
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Bernard Aghomi made a comment
Yes in principle, according to limitations of resources of the location and society involved.
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Bernard Aghomi replied to Rikki Slocombe
I believe, much could be achieved with whatever resources, and policies in place, so long as there is the will and determination, to prioritize sustainable development.
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Sustainability should apply to all scales, and levels, whether individual group or global, as the concept is universal. All legislative means, voluntary educational efforts should aim at the same goal of furthering the course.
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I agree that Masdar model may not be achievable by all societies because of cost limitations, shortage of land, etc., for such development. It however serves as pointer that the holistic approach could be adopted within any environmental, economic, and social constraint of the location.
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Bernard Aghomi made a comment
The reversible links defining six factors of interrelationships between the three pillars of sustainability, clearly addresses overall benefits and directions of sustainable project development, including considerations at conception/design phase, construction work implementation, and end user/maintenance phase of the developmental life cycle. It also clearly...
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Bernard Aghomi made a comment
I appreciate the interdependence, and interrelationship of the three pillars of sustainable development, but a balanced application of these factors at the points where objectives are met is very important, as in so doing they give meaning and values to our purpose.
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Bernard Aghomi replied to Gloria Hagan
@GloriaHagan I agree, but I believe there should a balanced sustainable development, at the point where objectives are met.
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Bernard Aghomi replied to Richard Mills
@PaulCaunce @RichardMills I appreciate your analogies, but again, the project triple constraint balances out naturally to various degrees of problems/discomfort, when a factor is affected, unless you make effort to control it to your need, so does the three pillars of sustainability. The dynamics of balancing to meet objectives is key.
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Bernard Aghomi made a comment
Sustainable development in the construction industry is a gradual process. With continued education and awareness, achievement is increasingly attainable.
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Bernard Aghomi replied to Sam Huggins
Intentions of building apartments for the people, and the masses are not housed, is not socially responsible. Poorly constructed facilities, with hope of meeting future needs, is not economically sustainable.
Project feasibility studies/analysis with due consideration of sustainable development is useful. -
Bernard Aghomi made a comment
Social sustainability is achievable through, end user considerations in project life cycle, ethical treatment of construction workforce( such as equality, anti-slavery, etc.), safe/health workplace, and culture.
These factors are achievable in both big and small projects. -
Bernard Aghomi made a comment
When end-user needs are not considered in the project development from conception/design and followed up throughout the life cycle of development, there is more likely to be conflict with economic and environmental sustainability than not; as profit motives, and other decisions might also affect environmental sustainability. There is synergy and harmony when...
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Bernard Aghomi made a comment
Indeed, from the examples given, holistic approach to sustainable development, is a proven model, and should be adopted in all projects.
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Bernard Aghomi replied to Anne O'Beirne
@AnneO'Beirne Well appreciated.
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Bernard Aghomi made a comment
I have been involved in implementation of Health Center projects, sponsored by UNICEF. The building design was simple, involving use of local materials, Solar Photovoltaic system for lighting, and power supply for the Borehole water system. The project provided employment for the local community, during construction, and serves the basic health care needs of...
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Bernard Aghomi replied to Anne O'Beirne
@AnneO'Beirne is sharing commitments to ethical reformation in society. That is good, but we are concerned about a holistic approach to sustainable development.
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Bernard Aghomi made a comment
Unchecked overt profit motives, and deafness to human conscience leads to such ills as Inequality treatment, discrimination, modern slavery, etc., being used as vehicles of achieving such goals. But surprisingly, poor safety methods, unethical practices, discrimination, etc., leads to inefficiencies and reduced profits. Gains from ill treatments, are lost...
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Bernard Aghomi replied to Andrew Webb
I agree that the problem is a universal one, and cuts across all industries.
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Bernard Aghomi replied to Gloria Hagan
@GloriaHagan @SumanDebRay , thanks for the points. I agree with them. As professionals we need to promote safe working environment, ethical values and culture, through training and advisory roles to our management. More awareness through social media is necessary to sensitize the people, and potential victims. The government need to strengthen its applicable...
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Bernard Aghomi made a comment
I am aware of modern slavery and bonded labor, usually suffered by victims of poor circumstances, falling into this vicious loop, in an attempt to come out of difficulties. The construction industry as rightly mentioned need to improve its records through ethical values/culture, improved procurement policies that considers ethical practices, and values of the...
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Bernard Aghomi made a comment
Women are more engaged in administrative/management roles, Architectural designs, than in engineering/construction trades, which are perceived as masculine. I have been to a local community in eastern Nigeria, where concreting works were exclusively handled by women. I am always fascinated seeing female tradesmen at work, because they are few exceptions.
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Bernard Aghomi made a comment
The figures are shocking. Work health/Safety, and welfare management becomes increasingly important in mitigating these problems, and ensuring social well being, in construction projects.
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@NeilJames Thanks James.
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Bernard Aghomi made a comment
I witnessed an ongoing major railway construction project where massive earthwork up to 10m runs several kilometers, cutting across several towns, disrupting the environmental setting and the existing road network. It increased transportation problems within the communities, while the railway project was intended to enhance a national economic solution. Is...
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The other problem is inadequate/lack of safety consciousness among the work force. You find carpenters in owner-build development installing roofing sheets at the eaves of a three story building without roof ladders, and other protective devices. They are very confident. With increasing education on safety, and government enforcement, the practice is...