Fatima Muhammad Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — A recent study conducted by Makkah Municipality has confirmed that there are number of engineering mistakes in buildings that could lead to their collapse. Industry experts noted such errors negatively affect the real estate sector in the Kingdom. One large building in Makkah's Al-Azizia District needed to be rebuilt from scratch, added the study conducted in cooperation with Zaki Al-Jawhirji office for engineering consultations. The quality of the concrete used, said the study, does not meet standards and is not monitored properly. The study was presented recently at a workshop devoted to a development program for ready mix concrete at the Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI). The increasing demand for ready mix concrete produced locally has driven the municipality to create a development program for such products. It will ensure quality by both developing the standards at local factories. The main goal of this program is to encourage local factories to follow the standards set by the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and form technical teams capable of reviewing quality control. The program also aims to create a database for ready mix concrete factories and increasing awareness among both engineers and the public about the standards of ready mix concrete and ways to protect its quality. Saud Al-Sa'adi, head of the concrete factories committee at the MCCI, said the municipality's program would target legal and illegal factories. He added inspectors would organize field tours and take samples of concrete products to ensure their quality. Specialized consultants will also be involved in the program, added Al-Sa'adi. According to the study, up to 37 percent of businesses in the ready-made concrete sector are not aware of the regulations of the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs. Up to 97 percent have called on the need to classify factories working in this sector. Among the main challenges facing the sector is the presence of illegal factories that manipulate market prices. Abdullah Al-Ghalib, secretary general of MCCI, said Makkah has around 40 ready concrete factories, but only 14 are registered with the chamber. He added that the classification system would allow factories to compete properly. He noted studies conducted in this sector call for sticking to measurements, selecting qualified staff, following environmental regulations, contacting quality laboratories and taking into consideration high temperatures in the Kingdom. Al-Ghalib called on investors in this sector to cooperate with the municipality and MCCI to develop the program and implement it. “Everyone has to work hand in hand for the development of this industry and for the enhancement of the Saudi economy.”
