SubscribeDue to renovation of the permanent building, G3 Systems were assigned to supply, erect and commission a 2-storey office and accommodation block in the grounds of the Presidential Palace in Kabul.
G3 Systems Ltd won a contract with Crown Agents, the procurement and supply arm of the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, to supply, erect and commission a 2-storey office and accommodation block in Kabul, Afghanistan.
The Presidential Palace
The building was required to be erected and commissioned in the grounds of the Presidential Palace in Kabul in no more than 7 weeks from contract award.
The intention of the building is to house the National Security Agency of the Afghanistan Government whilst their permanent building is renovated. The building will then be used by other agencies of the Government.
Focus on high security
The work comprised ground clearance and preparation, erection of a 60 unit, prefabricated, flat pack building on 2 floors and a complete service area for the building.
The main building consists of 60 sections of prefabricated elements besides external service facilities.
The interior of the building includes reception areas, offices, toilets, washrooms, showers and accommodation units. A full security entrance system is installed, which includes 8 sets of double security doors on a swipe card system and an internal telephone system with a digital exchange capable of linking in to external satellite lines.
The building includes full heating and air conditioning. The external service area includes a generator, fuel tanks, fresh water tanks and pump and waste water and sewage tanks.
One of the offices in the process of establishment, shortly after finishing the buildings.
Severe penalties
Due to the uncertainty of material availability in Kabul, the requirement was to airfreight all materials, tools and equipment needed from Billund airport to Kabul by 2 flights of an Antenov 124 aircraft. The flight dates were set at the beginning of the contract and severe penalties would be imposed if the dates were not met. Needless to say the flight dates were met.
The Antonov 124 aircraft is unloading thegenerator in Kabul Airport. The transport of the materials required two flights.
Fence and plants round the building create a nice outdoor atmosphere.
Difficult working conditions
Immediately prior to the first flight, the customer requested significant changes to the building in orientation and layout. These changes were accomplished by modifications to materials on site, as there was no time to have any rework carried out in the factory.
Conditions in Kabul were far from ideal, there was no availability of local power (not even for the locals!), the air was heavy with dust and heavy equipment, such as cranes were difficult to obtain – in fact erection of the building was accomplished using an archaic crane left behind by the Russians. Security was extremely tight with heavily armed men everywhere. Despite everything and the requirement for last minute changes, the work was completed to timescale by the experienced team, led by a G3 Project Manager.
Formally hand over
The building was formally handed over to Crown Agents representatives on the due date of 14th December 2002, and The Foreign Office took possession the following day. A few days later, the NSA staff moved in, and now they work in the office block, whilst their permanent building is renovated.
Local staff members were employed to participate in the building process.