Monthly Progress Report No. 18

The project involves the installation of a new 12-kilometer, 750mm diameter main transmission pipeline from the Deir Sha'ar booster station to the existing 25,000m3 reservoir in Halhul. The pipeline will supply water to several communities, including Beit Ummar, Karmi Tzur, Al-Arrub Camp, and Halhul. The project also includes the installation of 13 kilometers of network connections ranging from 300mm to 75mm, except 250mm diameter for the cities of Beit Ummar and Halhul. Additionally, approximately 10 kilometers of existing road along the pipeline alignment will be upgraded, including excavation works, backfilling excavated areas, embankment backfilling, pavement layer construction, and milling and overlay of the existing roadway surface. The project is being implemented by APCO/ArCon Construction and Services, with Black and Veatch serving as the Engineer/CMC. The project is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under Contract No. 294-I-00-12-00005, Task Order No. AID-294-TO-13-00016. The project's contractual period of performance is 550 calendar days, with a contractual end date of May 9, 2015. Safety is a top priority for the project, with regular toolbox talks and safety refreshments conducted for subcontractor drivers and staff. During the reporting period, no accidents were reported, but one Notice of Unsafe Condition (NUC) was issued and addressed by the APCO safety team. Environmental mitigation plans were also implemented, addressing public and labor safety measures, as well as general and regular housekeeping for all sites. Traffic control measures are also being implemented, with traffic control plans submitted and approved by various authorities, including the Traffic Higher Council at the Palestinian Ministry of Transport and local councils. The project is making progress, with a planned percentage of completion of 98.0% (B.L. 01) and 77.5% (B.L. 02), and an actual percentage of completion of 66.7%. The project's progress is being monitored through various indicators, including the number of kilometers of transportation infrastructure constructed or repaired and water pipelines installed, as well as the generated person-days of employment. The project's risk register log and geo-MIS data collection sheet are also being maintained to track and mitigate potential risks and issues. Overall, the Deir Sha'ar Main Pipeline Project is a complex water infrastructure project that requires careful planning, execution, and monitoring to ensure its successful completion. The project's progress is being closely monitored, and various measures are being implemented to ensure safety, environmental compliance, and traffic control.