OKELLO THOMAS
Quantity Surveyor/ Site Engineer
Member Institution of Surveyors of Uganda (ISU)
Member of Quantity Surveyors International (MQSI)
Professional Quantity Surveyor /Site Engineer with experience of over 15+ years in the construction industry.
I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Building Economics (Quantity Surveying), holder of Ordinary Diploma in Building and civil Engineering and Health and safety at workplace diploma.
While at RA International, I have been in control of all cost and estimates on (United Nation Support Office Somalia) UNSOS-Level-II-Hospital project during the construction of OVERHEAD PROTECTION(OHP) against incoming booms/mortars from Al-Shabaab in Mogadishu Somalia
Am a multi skilled professional with technical knowledge in civil engineering and quantity surveying who can manage project cost tracking, physical progress against schedule, monitor variances, advice on contract deviations and calculate/manage change request duties as well as site engineering role to ensure close monitoring of cost, project resources, quality assurance etc.
I have been accountable for the preliminary project budget and advising management on the effect of cost variance due to proposed changes before final decision is made.
I definitively estimated projects; calculated estimates by using processes, labor availability and productivity, material prices based on historical data of previous projects in similar location.
I tabulated cost studies, cash flows, prospect analysis and successfully managed cost control on construction works at various sites of substantial monetary value as detailed below.
I am professionally trained in Site management and ability to define, track and report on project risks and issues, assessing value and supporting in resolution. I have prepared various project schedules and used them to notify both management and the client on critical activities that can cause delays if not attended to on time. I have used method statements and risk assessment for various activities to mitigate possible dangers and delays on many projects handled. Chaired evaluation of various bids to award contracts to the best responsive and compliance contractor/bidders
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
• I was responsible and successfully prepared contractor’s claims on variations, cost, interim valuation of work done and construction supervision of 32 apartments at Naalya Exclusive flats, 268 housing units in Sunset Apartments estate- Kiwatule, and 104 apartments in Bugolobi estate in Uganda.
• Accurately monitored the project cost and saved National housing and construction company a government parastatal in Uganda from losing up to a tune of US $656,000 from Naalya Pride estate Project with the claims of $767,000 and yet actual measured work was US $114,000.
• I developed a cost control schedule and distributed to the site engineers on all active sites to record all activities (materials, labour and equipment, supplies etc.) on daily basis, which were submitted to me for monitoring and controlling costs while at National Housing and construction company in Uganda.
• I accurately projected the cost of upcoming projects and provided vital information by developing the cost information needed for management to make decisions (UNICEF offices, conference room and gym building) in Mogadishu.
• I accurately calculated various variation orders and assessed the risks related to cost and informed management for proper decision making during the execution of “MOD-UK-UN 70 UPLIFT-OP CATAN”, a project for the British Government in Mogadishu.
• I estimated unit rates for various bids that RA International has been successful as the best bidder some of which are still being executed to date.
• Being a multi-skilled professional, I successfully estimated, negotiated a compensation for damage by fire with UAP Insurance Company on behalf of the company and supervised the reconstruction of damages caused by fire at NHCC head office
PERSONAL DETAILS
Contact No:
Tel: +256-***-******-Uganda
+256-********* -Uganda
+252-***-******-Somalia
Email: ******.*********@*****.***
Date of Birth : 25th June 1980
Marital Status : Married
Gender : Male
Nationality : Ugandan
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES AS A
QUANTITY SURVEYOR
Skills
Effective communicator
Time Manager
Critical Thinker
Planning and organizing
Strong numerical figure
Results oriented
Good Interpersonal skills
Attention to details
Decision making
Leadership
Core Competencies
Ensure that the work orders are
verified as per the Supplier contract
agreements in terms of commercial
values, rates, measures / quantities and
material costs.
production of budgets and forecasts for
the project and monitor actual
performance
production of estimates of project
works for Client budgetary review and
approval
monitoring of progress against plan on
major projects
Ability to record, manage and utilize
data to provide meaningful
information on which management of
the Project and Suppliers can be
rationally based.
• I was appraised as an Outstanding Performer and all other appraisals above average while working as an Assistant Clerk of Works with National Housing and construction company limited Uganda.
PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
QUANTITY SURVEYOR: (JUNE 2016 to 3rd May 2021)
RA International FZCO, Mogadishu, Somalia
RESPONSIBILITIES
• Accurately projected the cost of upcoming projects and provide vital information by developing the cost information needed to determine if a proposed product will be profitable.
• Determined which endeavors are making an adequate profit.
• Conducted feasibility studies to estimate materials, time and labour costs.
• Supported in the preparation, negotiation and analyzing of costs for tenders and contracts.
• Prepared tender and contract documents, including bills of quantities with the architect and/or the client.
• Undertook costs analysis for repair and maintenance of project work;
• Prepared and reviewed project bids.
• Priced excavations, Concrete, Brickwork, Woodwork, Roof tiling, External render, Drainage, External works and other price requirements.
• Valued completed work.
• Analyzed subcontract prices for comparison.
• Reviewed and updated pre-bid strategies.
• Provided advice on contractual claims.
• Performed risk analysis valuations.
• Monitored relevant planning authority web sites to identify work opportunities.
• Updated tendering database information.
• Advised on procurement strategy
National Housing & Construction Company Limited-Kampala, Uganda RESPONSIBILITIES
Prepared all project procurement plans which includes Material schedule and labour components of the works for projects using MS-Pproject-2013; these projects include Naalya pride Block-I 5.44Billion, Spring Valley Apartments Bugolobi-22Billion Shillings, Mbarara Project 25Billion
Was accountable for the preliminary or definitive estimates for most of the in- house project procurement plans using MS-Pproject-2013
Calculates estimates by using processes, labor availability and productivity, material prices, based on historical data. Tabulates cost studies, cash flows, and prospect analysis.
Under general supervision, and occasional direct supervision, performs assignments requiring experience and knowledge of standard concepts within project controls.
Lead negotiator during the negotiation of a contract price between NHCCL and Ambitious Construction Company form 4.5million USD to 3.9million USD.
Represented the company in the arbitration court on dispute of claims from 17million to 7million shillings that was later paid to the contractor.
Regularly visit building sites to monitor the activities of sub-contractors and suppliers, with a view to avoiding any cost escalations and delivery of substandard materials.
Responsible for cost control planning and for actual cost controls during building implementation.
Prepared Bills of Quantities (BOQs), as a part of the necessary inputs for tenders for Naalya Pride project, Crested Tower renovation, Mbarara Project on going, Namungoona IV project on going.
I successfully procured all the materials, supervised and accounted for all the money that was used for renovation of the burnt NHCC Head office premises. SENIOR QUANTITY SURVEYOR: (2014 to 2016)
ACADEMIC QUALIFICATION
Award Institution Year
Bachelor of
Science in
Building
Economics
Kyambogo
University -Uganda
2005-2008
Ordinary
Diploma in
Building and
Civil
Engineering
Uganda technical
college-Masaka-
Uganda
2002-2004
Diploma in
Health and
Safety at
workplace
London Institute of
Business and
Management
2018-2019
Computer
Certificate in
Information
Technology
Uganda technical
college-Masaka-
Uganda
2002-2004
Uganda
Advanced
Certificate of
Education
Premier High
school Kampala
2000-2001
Uganda
Certificate of
Education
St. Joseph’s
college Layibi
1994-1997
Certificate:
Introduction
to Site
Management
and
Leadership.
KD-Consultant Aug-2009
Certificate in
Microsoft
Navision
2013 R2
MICROSOFT
CERTIFIED
(Business
Solutions Partner)
Nov-Dec
2013
SOFTWARE KNOWLEDGE
MS Project, Excel, Word etc. Excellent
AutoCAD Very Good
ArchiCAD Very Good
Revits Good
Navision 2013 R2 Good
QUANTITY SURVEYOR (2011 to 2014)
National Housing & Construction Company Limited- Kampala, Uganda RESPONSIBILITIES
Took site measurement of works executed on site/verified claims of piece workers/Contractors to ensure value for money on all projects handled.
Provided the cost control schedule to all the project engineers for close monitoring of all the activities on site.
Participated in the negotiation of unit rates with the supplies/contractors to bring down the cost close or below the company’s estimated cost
Analyzed the effect of design changes on the project budget.
Advise the Architect and structural engineer on the cost implications of the various design and Specs options at the design stage to get optimal for a given construction budget i.e., Naalya pride
Carried out market survey of cost of materials, Labour and Plant rates.
Prepared a schedule of project resources (materials, Labour and plant) and pass on to procurement unit for procurement
Prepared schedule of project resources, works program and Cash flow requirements for all active projects.
ASSISTANT CLERK OF WORKS ( 2008 to 2011)
National Housing & Construction Company Limited- Kampala, Uganda RESPONSIBILITIES
Ensured that works are professionally done according to the project design and specifications with regards to quality, cost time and safety.
Carried out routine checks on resources (materials, labour, equipment, sub- contractors, etc.) to ascertain quality and quantity.
Measured and recorded work done by contractors/ piece workers.
Provided technical support service to contractors in interpretation of drawings and specifications
Prepared defects/snags list at the end of each project and ensuring satisfactory rectification.
Kept a site diary and submits weekly reports to the COW.
Prepared monthly cost and progress reports giving actual resources used and work done in conformity to schedule.
Projects Handled Approximated Project Values
2011-2014
2011-2013
2012
2011-2013
2013-2015
2008-2011
Mbarara Project
Spring Apartment Bugolobi
Bukerere Project:
Regina II Project
Libyan Embassy
Sunset Apartments Kiwatule
26, Billion Shillings ($7.2Million)
22, Billion Shillings ($6.1Million)
474, Billion Shillings ($130.58Million)
10.3 Billion Shillings ($2.84Million)
1.3 Billion Shillings ($0.34Million)
28, Billion Shillings ($7.7Million)
2012
2012-2016
2016-2018
2017-2019
Renovation of NHCC Head Office
Naalya Pride 32 Unit Apartments
Ministry of Defense-UK in Mogadishu
Ministry of Defense-UK in Baidoa
0.147, Billion Shillings ($0.04Million)
5.44 Billion Shillings ($1.499Million)
5.028 Million Pounds ($ 6.54Million)
1.323 Million Pounds ($ 1.72Million)
SITE SUPERVISOR (Jan to 2005)
National Housing & Construction Company Limited
Kampala, Uganda
Supervised the construction of Kibuli Primary Teachers’ College three storied Building for classes and laboratories.
SITE ENGINEER (Oct 2004-Jan 2005)
Celam Technology and General Contractors Ltd.
Kampala, Uganda
Supervised the Construction of a mosque at Kiwatule –Kampala Donated by the Kuwait Moslem Agency.
ENUMERATOR (June-July 2005)
Enumerator; with United Nations World Food Program (UN-W.F.P),during the revalidation exercises in twenty-one I.D.P Camps
REFERENCES:
1. ECWOU REBECCA
Country Director JENEVA GLOBAL
Email: *******.*****@*****.***
Tel: +256*********
2. OPIO PETER PATRICK
Livelihoods and Economic Inclusion
Officer,UNHCR Kigoma, Tanzania
Email: *****@*****.***
Tel: +256*********
3. GEOFFREY LOUM LUWA:
Renovations Engineer,
USAID RHITES-Acholi Activities
Email: *****@***-***.***
Tel: +256*********
PERSONAL STRENGTHS
Fluent in Written & Spoken English,
Fluent in Spoken Kiswahili
Fluent in Written & Spoken Luo
Quick Learner
Self-Motivated & Objective driven
Honest and hardworking
Ability to work under pressure
TRAININGS UNDERTAKEN
2007 Industrial Training (June- August)
National Housing & Construction
Company
Taking off quantities for Construction
materials,
Construction material market survey
setting out,
Earth work and excavation,
Plinth wall construction,
Concrete work,
Plumbing work,
Observed Snags,
Testing of leakages in pipes,
Roofing work,
Gauging for plaster work on ceiling &
walls
Erecting Scaffolding,
Plastering
2003 Industrial Training (June- August)
with Spencon Construction Services-
Butabika Hospital.
Setting out the Buildings,
Construction of patient wards,
Plumbing
Electrical Installation,
Surveying,
Road Construction
Erecting tank stands,