Visit to Gibraltar by top members of the Institute of Clerks of Works and Construction Inspectorate

Wednesday, 18 April 2012 11:27

Written by Editor

To celebrate almost two years since the Gibraltar Meeting Centre (GMC) was formally launched ( in June 2010)  the Clerks of Works and Construction Inspectors, who comprise the GMC of the Institute of Clerks of Works and Construction Inspectorate of Great Britain Incorporated (ICWCI), played host to a number of visitors from the UK. 

The visitors – the President of the ICWCI, James Gallacher MICWCI, the President Elect, David Gray MICWCI, and the Main Management Board Chairman, Charles Lowrie FICWCI –  arrived on 25th March and initially met with the local representatives who gave the visitors an insight into the activities of the GMC and also discussed the main issues affecting local construction as seen from the GMC’s perspective.

The following day, at a meeting at the John Mackintosh Hall, attended by GMC members and other professional associates, Gibraltar played host to the Minister for Traffic, Health & Safety and Technical Services, the Honourable Paul Balban MP. The Minister addressed the meeting and commenced by congratulating the members on their magnificent work in ensuring that building standards are kept at a high level on construction projects, in both public and private sectors.  On behalf of the Government of Gibraltar, he acknowledged that the establishment of the local Meeting Centre has proved a positive step in improving the selection process for ICWCI membership.

CSC Scheme

The Minister also praised the members of the GMC for their efforts in the health and safety field by promoting, together with the Gibraltar Government’s Training Centre, the implementation, in Gibraltar, of the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) “passport”.  The scheme, which originates in the UK, was set up to help the construction industry reduce accidents and help improve quality.  There then followed a short speech by Salv

ador Sivers, the Training Centre manager, who confirmed the view that raising awareness of health and safety on constructions sites was of great importance.

ICWCI’s President, James Gallacher MICWCI, then addressed the gathering.  He highlighted the close working relationship with the Gibraltar Government’s Training Centre and the impetus being given to raising health and safety awareness on sites through the use of the CSCS cards. The President went on to explain the primary role of the Clerk of Works & Construction Inspector which is one of quality control and assurance on construction projects. The role, in keeping with the Institute’s motto, “Ability, Integrity & Vigilance”, requires those engaged as Clerks of Works to adhere to the highest standards whilst remaining impartial.   The President made the case that the cost of employing a qualified and experienced Clerk of Works is minimal, on any reasonably sized project, particularly when compared to the cost of remedying defects.  Mr Gallacher then presented a certificate to Norman Neale, Building Control Inspector with the Department of Planning and Building Control, which confirmed that he had been conferred with Honorary Fellow status of the ICWCI.  This was in recognition for Norman’s support to the local Centre’s founder members, in getting the Centre up and running, and also for forming part of the local Professional Interview Panel.  Norman  later stated, “I am very honoured to have been made an Honorary Fellow of the ICWCI and look forward to continue helping the local committee and Clerks of Works in trying to further their efforts”.

Medal awarded

As a final act, the President then presented the local Meeting Centre’s Past Chairman, Michael Pizzarello, with his Past Chairman’s medal.  Michael thanked the President and other visitors for their kind gesture and stated, “Although I am the Past Chairman it does not mean I am past supporting the local Centre and will continue my involvement as well as supporting the Committee in their tasks”.

As part of the overall visit there was also the opportunity for the UK visitors together with the local Chairman and Past Chairman, to meet with the Deputy Chief Minister, Dr. Joseph Garcia, at his offices at Nr. 6 Convent Place.  In his capacity as Minister for Planning and Building Control the Minister discussed with the ICWCI’s representatives various issues relating to construction projects in Gibraltar.  Matters discussed included, quality assurance and reduction of defects, the role of, and the need for, qualified Clerks of Works in both public and private sector developments.  The ICWCI’s representatives also raised the matter of the CSCS cards and urged the Minister to consider using this scheme for all site operatives in Gibraltar.  This would, apart from raising health & safety awareness, also go some way in raising construction quality levels as well since it would help in filtering out the “cowboy” worker element.

Site visits

Finally, during the last day of the visit the visitors toured the Aquagib desalination plant, installed at Governor’s Cottage, where they were given, by Gary Turnbull, a detailed explanation of the process involved in taking sea water and converting it into perfectly good potable water.  From here they then visited the waterworks and water storage reservoirs located within the Rock.  There they were treated to a detailed explanation, by Jose Luis Marzan, of the storage and distribution system in place to supply Gibraltar   with potable and brackish water.

For more information about the ICWCI visit www.icwci.org or for more information about the Gibraltar Meeting Centre please contact the Secretary on email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it