Engaging capable design institutes, backed by sufficient budget and time allocations, will result in better quality technical designs that in turn will facilitate construction progress, reduce the need for contract variations, and optimize construction costs. There were significant variations in some of this project's civil works contracts. These variations resulted mainly from poor quality of technical designs, with errors and omissions in the construction drawings. The experience highlights the importance of (i) recruiting more capable design institutes to carry out the site investigation and technical design; (ii) allocating adequate budget and time for the site investigation and technical design; and (iii) considering using ADB loan to finance technical design. Although recruitment may take more time, improved quality of technical design will facilitate construction progress and reduce contract variations and construction costs.
Yunnan Chuxiong Urban Environment Improvement Project