Expert calls for tightening oversight on construction sites and adherence to specifications
Amman3 min read
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Environmental expert Dr. Ayoub Abu Dayyeh emphasized that protecting the urban environment and ensuring building safety begins at construction sites, stressing the need to strengthen field oversight, adhere to technical specifications, and ensure that the haste to complete projects does not come at the expense of structural safety, public health, and city cleanliness.
Abu Dayyeh stated that some construction sites witness violating practices, most notably the obstruction of sidewalks and streets with building materials, sand, gravel, steel, and excavation waste, which hinders pedestrian movement and sometimes forces them to walk among vehicles, in addition to the spread of dust and noise.
He added that curbing these practices requires compelling contractors to store materials within project boundaries, remove waste regularly, use modern methods for transporting building materials, and restore sidewalks and streets to their proper condition after work is completed, in addition to prohibiting the occupation of public property without a permit.
He pointed out the danger of burning waste and heating bituminous materials used for waterproofing by unsafe means, such as burning used tires, due to the resulting pollutants that threaten the health of workers and nearby residents, as well as fire risks, emphasizing the importance of enforcing laws and regulations and requiring contractors to use appropriate equipment and dispose of waste through authorized entities.
Abu Dayyeh stressed that construction quality is linked to serious and continuous engineering supervision, monitoring implementation stages, verifying that materials meet specifications, and overseeing reinforcement, formwork, concrete pouring, and curing works, calling for defining experience requirements for supervising engineers according to the nature, size, and complexity of projects, and enhancing training and professional accountability.
He warned against rushing to remove formwork or applying new loads to concrete elements before they have gained the necessary strength, explaining that the timing of removal depends on the type of element, concrete strength, implementation conditions, and the requirements of the code and approved specifications, rather than a uniform time period.
He emphasized the importance of curing concrete according to technical principles, maintaining appropriate humidity and temperature, and taking necessary protection measures in extremely cold weather, which contributes to reducing cracks and ensuring the durability of structures.
Abu Dayyeh called for intensifying field inspections, documenting sensitive implementation stages, verifying the quality of work before it is covered, and granting oversight teams the necessary authority to halt dangerous work until violations are corrected.
He concluded by affirming that adhering to specifications and raising the efficiency of supervision and oversight are not obstacles to investment, but rather a guarantee to protect lives, assets, infrastructure, and the urban environment, and to avoid the costs of repairing defects and damages in the future.
