Doing it properly, that's what matters

This week, my column was late. Again. And while the patient smile of our lovely sub editor said one thing, her eyes said something else entirely.

Let's just say, 'hurry up' was the tiny message that almost got lost in a rather large nut shell full of many other messages. However, I did take resolve in the fact that I wasn't the only one who was late this week.

The world's tallest building, the Burj Dubai, is also going to be late. Again. But let's take a look at why the most high profile project on this planet has been delayed.

Story continues below

Advertisement

FEATURED COMMENT Please click here to comment on this article

Emaar boss, Mohamed Ali Alabbar said it's due to 'fine finishes.'

He'd rather be late and score a perfect goal than finish on time and have a project that could be lacking in some way. After all the Burj Dubai is the Burj Dubai.

He's well aware that the world's eyes are on this magnificent project and also aware of that little mistake that would allow someone to stand up, point a finger and say, 'I told you so.'

It's no doubt that such a delay would affect various parties including other developers around the area, contractors, consultants, investors, tourists, travellers, financial institutions, the general public and everyone else connected to the project.

But with the construction industry being hit by delays, price increases and labour shortages, apart from more serious issues like health and safety violations and worker deaths, isn't it better that one treads carefully? Isn't that what is being asked for of the construction industry at the moment?

Be careful, increase safety, construct quality buildings and be environmentally friendly.

Working on tall buildings is not easy for construction workers. When the wind picks up, work has to stop in order to avoid any calamities and vertical transportation also gets tougher, among other issues.

So if the Burj Dubai is late for even one of the previously mentioned reasons I say, so be it.

At least someone out there in this big bad construction world has the guts to stand up and say 'we're late and that's fine.'

I agree with Alabbar when he says that he'd rather do it right than be on time.

I'd rather be right than on time too.

Conrad Egbert is the deputy editor of Construction Week.

RELATED LINK: Burj Dubai to extend higher as it fights delay