The aim of a cost management service is not simply to monitor costs, but to control them as well. Trusted infrastructure consulting firm AECOM has been providing its Africa-based clients with cost consultancy advice for over 90 years.

“This longevity in the built environment market is a key differentiator that has allowed us to be involved in many exciting and prestigious projects that have influenced and changed the African landscape. Our experience has honed our expertise in both buildings and infrastructure-related projects,” comments Dean Narainsamy, Director, Program Cost Consultancy (PCC), Africa.

AECOM’s cost management methodology expands upon its principles and standards when delivering key projects for its clients. Its main role is to ensure successful delivery, add value to the project, manage the client’s exposure to risk and control time, cost and quality.

“We specialise in the safe and successful delivery of projects and programmes via the control of cost, time, quality and change, working across a broad range of sectors and building types. We have a proven track-record in the successful delivery of large and complex schemes,” highlights Craig Stuart, Executive, PCC, Practice Area Lead, Centurion.

This cost management expertise includes cost planning, estimating and cost advice, supported by extensive cost data. The aim is to allow a project’s accounting officers to set expenditure estimates and to evaluate the financial feasibility and sustainability of a project. In addition, AECOM advises on appropriate tendering procedures and contractual arrangements and monitors these throughout the life of the project.

“Our cost management expertise helps to keep expenditure within set budgets, while our cost advice during project implementation identifies areas where savings can be made. Therefore, our services allow clients in the public and private sectors to be fully aware of their financial implications before and during execution. This promotes value for money in terms expenditure and helps our clients achieve their objectives,” elaborates Herman Berry, Executive, PCC, Practice Area Lead, Cape Town.

AECOM prides itself on making valuable contributions to the community. A prime example was its involvement with the construction of the new 500-bed district hospital in KwaMashu, Durban. AECOM has drawn extensive experience from this world-class public hospital that spans in excess of 73 000m2 and caters to the communities of Phoenix, Inanda, Ntuzuma and KwaMashu. “We are very excited to deliver this magnificent medical facility during these unprecedented times, which will no doubt be a huge relief for the KwaZulu-Natal healthcare system,” says Rakesh Patel, Executive, PCC, Practice Area Lead, Durban.

Another major long-term project has been AECOM’s involvement with the R2,4 billion Sol Plaatje University (SPU) precinct in Kimberley in the Northern Cape. Its scope of work commenced in 2014 and is anticipated to extend until mid-2022 as Phase 2 ramps up. Billed as the largest tertiary education development in post-apartheid South Africa, AECOM’s role as principal agent for its client means it is overseeing 30 projects at present, from refurbishments to new-build infrastructure, all managed by an 18-strong team.

“We are training a significant portion of the local workforce. These are skills that will remain in the Kimberley area long past the project’s completion. This ranges from small business development to community upliftment and local procurement. We are putting a legacy in place that will stand by itself, not only for the students, but for the local community as well,” comments Kevina Kakembo, Candidate Quantity Surveyor at AECOM.

“As a leader in various sectors, we provide the best advice drawn from our local and global experience. Having worked, and continuing to work, on some of the most significant projects in the region, we have a rich history as a cost management practice. We provide a world-class service and firmly believe that economic success is firmly entwined with social and environmental success,” concludes Narainsamy.