The Development Bureau (DEVB) has won the Winner Award in the NEC Client of the Year category and the Highly Commended Award in the Contract Innovation Through Additional Clauses category of the New Engineering Contract (NEC) Awards 2017 in the United Kingdom (UK). In addition, the Drainage Services Department (DSD) has won the Winner Award in the Contract Innovation Through Additional Clauses category. The results are encouraging.
 
     The NEC Awards was established in 2015 by the NEC, an organisation under the Institution of Civil Engineers in the UK, with an aim of commending excellence and innovative practice in project delivery through collaborative partnership by organisations across the world.
 
     Speaking at the prize presentation ceremony in London, the UK, yesterday (June 22, London time), the Principal Assistant Secretary (Works) of the DEVB, Mr Francis Leung, said that the DEVB and the works departments have been promoting collaborative partnership in the implementation of public works, including the adoption of the NEC form, to enhance the management efficiency and cost effectiveness of the projects. The awards serve as recognition of the remarkable achievements of the innovative collaboration approach in the implementation of public works.
 
     As early as 2009, the DEVB promulgated the pilot implementation of the NEC form in public works and encouraged the works departments and construction industry stakeholders, including consultants and contractors, to actively participate and build up relevant experience. In October 2016, the DEVB published the Practice Notes for NEC - Engineering and Construction Contract applicable to public works for reference and adoption by the works departments and the industry. In addition, the DEVB has been extending the application of the NEC form in more types of public works.
 
     Mr Leung added that the DEVB has been striving to adopt the target cost options under the NEC form in some larger projects. These options encompass a pain/gain share mechanism for the over-budget and cost saving, making cost control a common objective of the contracting parties, thereby enhancing project management.
 
     Also an award winner in the contest, the DSD introduced an innovative contract clause in its Happy Valley Underground Stormwater Storage Scheme (HVUSSS) to promote joint efforts of the DSD, the main contractor and its subcontractors in the enhancement of the construction process so as to further improve the quality and expedite the progress of the project.
 
     Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief Engineer (Drainage Projects) of the DSD, Mr Kan Hon-shing, said that the contract provision provides an effective communication platform, which promotes the spirit of collaboration among members of the project team and facilitates the effective use of the early warning mechanism for early resolution of project risks.
 
     The HVUSSS was fully commissioned in March this year, which was about a year ahead of schedule, demonstrating the fruitful results of the concerted efforts of the project team. With a capacity of 60,000 cubic metres, which is equivalent to the total volume of about 24 standard swimming pools, the underground stormwater storage tank will further enhance the flood protection level in the Happy Valley and Wan Chai areas.
 
     Details of the awards are available on the NEC's website: www.neccontract.com/NEC4-Products/NEC-Awards/Awards-2017/Awards-2017-Shortlist.

Ends/Friday, June 23, 2017
Issued at HKT 14:30

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