Construction Update

Saikrushna Mandir after completion of Phase 1 and Phase 2

With the Divine Blessings and grace of our Beloved Swami, Phase 1 of the children’s home – Sai Krushna Mandir – is to be inaugurated on 23^rd November, 2012. As part of this, the SKM construction team is working to ensure that the architectural drawings, foundation, construction and funding are all moving along expected timelines.

 There were certain legal constraints and some background work related to fixing a contractor that delayed the start of the project on the ground. Most of that has been addressed now and we are now in a position to begin on Gurupoornima. By Swami’s grace the earthwork, excavation and building work for Phase 1 of Sai Krushna Mandir is beginning on GURUPOORNIMA: 3^rd July, 2012.  

However, before a discussion on that, we introduce our team of architects and construction consultants- Shankarnarayana Consultancy. Incidentally, they have also constructed for Swami in Muddenahalli, Parthi and other buildings associated with Swami. Currently, they are also engaged in the construction of the annexe building for the Senior Boys Hostel building in Puttaparthi.

In this edition we take you through the process of decision making in selecting a contractor. The construction consultants gave us the Bill of Quantities( BOQ)- which is essentially a list of requirements specified in terms of overall material and labour requisites. The BOQ was then given to different contractors to source their quotations for the overall project cost. This was followed by negotiations with the contractors and having internal skype calls among the Sai Students construction team. There were also three meetings of the Trustees to discuss the possibilities of a labour contract as against a civil contract. Our construction consultants, Shankarnarayan consultants, favoured a Civil Contract strongly considering the challenges involved and unavoidable delays that accompany a labour contract. Respecting the expertise and dedication of our consultants, a final decision was taken to go for a Civil Contract for Phase 1.

Phase 1 of Sai Krushna Mandir : Front View

The SKM Construction team after thorough analysis and consultation with our construction consultants is happy to appoint Mr Umesh as the Civil Contractor for Phase 1. He has a referral from one of the SKM team members also who have seen his commitment and dedication in working for their home construction. He has experience in working on multiple projects including industrial and residential buildings. Some of these include an R&D division for ITC Limited and Cauvery Medical Centre at Shankaranagar near Bellary Road. We welcome him on our team and look forward to a long term relationship to fulfill the project commanded by Swami.

 The entire BOQ for Phase 1 with multiple sub worksheets and the break-up would be made available on the website shortly. Attached below is a brief account of BOQ for Phase 1:

Making a site for the borewell

On 1^st July, Sunday the borewell for water will be dug.  This will be followed by cleaning and leveling of the site. Construction will formally begin with measurements on ground, excavation and earthwork commencing on Gurupoornima- 3^rd July. This will be followed by the work related to foundation and sub structure.

Using a compass to identify the water point

We look forward to all your active involvement and participation in this God given opportunity. We also welcome you to come and visit the site and witness the making of Sai Krushna Mandir. From our side, we will keep you updated through Venugaanam and the website. You are also free to contact us directly for any further information.

We are confident that, just as Swami’s bounteous blessings ensured the procurement of the land, Swami’s grace will crown our genuine intentions and He will continue to guide and bless the entire effort.