4.2 Wastewater Project Phasing

4.2.1 What are the main phases of project implementation?

Project implementation by the conventional route can be divided into a number of phases:

PLANNING

Outlining of the project; planning, production of preliminary designs and cost estimates.

FUNDING

Following initial planning, funding, including any governmental grants, is sought and obtained.

DETAILED DESIGN

Production of detailed designs and cost estimates for the civil, mechanical, electrical and instrumentation works.

TENDER AND CONTRACT DOCUMENTATION

Production of tender and contract documents consisting of general contract clauses, specifications of materials and workmanship and bills of quantities.

TENDERING

Advertisement of the construction contract, application of tenders, assessment and comparison of tenders and negotiations with and selective of a contractor and agreement and signature of a contractor.

CONSTRUCTION

Supervision of the construction and of the commissioning tests and training of permanent operators.

OPERATION

Operation and maintenance of the completed works.

4.2.2 How long will it take to bring a wastewater project into fruition?

The funding phase may be carried out in parallel with the planning and design stages. Depending upon the complexity of the project being undertaken, i.e. from small extensions to a sewerage system, through to a major wastewater treatment plant and marine outfall, the time for each phase should lie within the following time ranges:

· Planning: 2 to 6 months

(It should be noted that if it is necessary first to determine a wastewater management strategy for a whole region, then it is quite possible for a study phase to be incorporated in the Planning Phase which could take between 6 and 18 months to complete, more if extensive investigations such as marine surveys and environmental research have to be carried out. The production of an Environmental Impact Statement can also take between 3 and 12 months to produce depending upon the complexity and sensitivity of the situation. These elements of planning are generally carried out concurrently.)

· Detailed design:	2 to 12 months
· Contract documentation:	to 6 months
· Tendering:	3 to 6 months
· Construction:	6 to 30 months

Although routine sewer extension work will normally be somewhat shorter in duration, a minimum period of at least 15 months will be needed for the completion of all the above phases for projects of any size, and periods of up to 3 years may be required for larger projects - and even more if a substantial and extensive study is warranted as noted above.