Page 72 - magazine Jun 2020

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How COVID-19 is stalling
How COVID-19 is stalling

UAE construction projects
UAE construction projects

transportation vehicles, have also made it difficult to progress the work.
to get workers to and from construction sites. The UAE government imposed a series of
Some projects have also had to deal with a limited precautionary measures in March in a bid to
workforce, as there have been labor camps that stem the spread of coronavirus, which has now
have positive cases of coronavirus and some staff infected more than 3.6 million people worldwide.
were put in quarantine. Commercial establishments, including malls,
“[There’s] difficulty in sourcing basic materials, restaurants and cafes were shut down, and
such as silicon, nails, dust masks (now surgical students and workers were sent home. Commercial
masks), screws due to the closure of builders passenger flights were also halted.
providers. Some contractors are now purchasing Restrictions in the UAE have eased since last
such materials from the large main retailers like week. However, as international borders remain
Lulu and Carrefour,” Flanagan added. shut and social distancing and other precautionary
And, as for materials sourced outside the UAE, measures are still strictly enforced, the impact of
shipping and transportation time has considerably coronavirus continues to be felt.
slowed down. “Deliveries of cross-border materials Impact on suppliers
have slowed due to the time it now takes to get According to Bharat Bhatia, CEO of steel
through land borders because of the sterilization manufacturer Conares, the slowdown in
processes at the borders. This is having a direct construction activities across the country has
impact on the program and amount of worksite,” caused a huge dent in demand for materials, while
said Flanagan. prices have also moved south.
Projects are also hitting a snag, as there is difficulty “Currently, we see the business activities are
having higher or senior management on-site to down by 50 percent in terms of demand and off-
investigate issues and make “on the go” decisions time,” Bhatia said.

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