Daily Trust - the online edition

Direct Labour as the name implies, involves using own resources of materials, equipment and labour in the execution of engineering works as opposed to elements of overheads and profits. Direct labour method in engineering words is as old as the engineering profession, because contracting grew out of the need to attain higher standards of workmanship using specialists in each trade. Other reasons include the need for better managed construction, need for high quality finished products, need for timely completion of construction, better coordination and better possibility of being able to forecast construction period of each element and hence of a whole construction project more accurately.

Direct Labour can cover various types of works such as roads, drainages, buildings, wharfs, dams, bridges, power stations e.t.c, but for the purpose of this article, attention will be focused on roads and drainages, where direct labour is well practiced in Nigeria.

Historical background:

Early service organizations in Nigeria such as the Public Works Department (PWD) now Federal Ministry of Works and Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), the Marine Department (now Nigerian Ports authority) their utilities through Direct Labour, and only complicated segments or portions were contracted out to specialists, who were of proven records and were on the approved list, called Register of Contractors.

When To Adopt Direct Labour approach

The following factors should be considered before arriving at a decision as to when to adopt Direct Labour approach:-

i) Availability of and or sufficiency of fund;

ii) Availability of experienced supervision staff;

iii) Availability of appropriate labour-craftsmen, artisans and labourers;

iv) Availability of and easy access to construction materials;

v) Availability of equipment both from stock and from hire;

iv) Availability of good management.

Merits and Demerits of direct Labour Method

Merits:-

The main merits of Direct Labour works are as follows:-

i) They generally result in saving of cost, if well managed;

ii) They are best suited for works where funds are limited;

iii) they serve as avenues for giving training to all cadres of staff and workers;

iv) they provide experience, which is kept within the organization.

Demerits:-

The main demerits are as follows:-

i) Management is usually not as effective as with contract work;

ii) There is greater risk of loss materials due to inadequate security;

iii) It is more difficult to guarantee the quality of workers and of finished products;

iv) It lacks supervision by an independent boy;

v) It cannot be applied on a large and complicated project,

Road and Drainage Maintenance by Direct Labour under Civil Maintenance Section.

In recent years the Civil Maintenance Section has undertaken maintenance of a number of roads and drainages by direct labour. For instance, production of concrete cover for drains with improved strength and durability, has been carried out by Direct Labour to replace hundreds of older and broken cover slabs in the city.

Conclusion and Recommendation

It is clear from the above presentation that direct labour has its advantages and disadvantages. However, this method can be adopted successfully in the maintenance of roads and drainages in the Federal Capital Territory if adequate facilities are put in place for its operation. With the downturn in the economic fortunes of the nation and the declining investments in huge construction projects, it is wiser for us to maintain what we have and the most cost effective means of achieving this is to adopt the direct labout method in the maintenance of roads and drainages. The wonderful activities of FERMA in road repairs and maintenance all over the country through director laour is a testimony to the efficacy of direct labour as a viable option.

It is therefore recommended that a functional Direct Labour Unit be established with adequate equipment and funding to achieve this purpose.