"Why not, Bala? Constructing a bridge is also a civil work like constructing buildings. We are going to use the same materials like cement, bricks, sand, steel etc!"
"We don't have experience in this line. Taking up this project will be risky."
"Doing a business involves taking risks. Nothing is impossible with proper planning and systematic execution."
"My point, precisely. So far, we have taken up construction of houses, mostly. We have done small jobs like constructing small bridges across canals etc. To construct a big bridge like this, we need to prepare a detailed plan, by employing engineers with expertise and experience and then execute it with utmost care. The government wants this bridge to be constructed within three months, keeping in mind the ensuing election. If we take up a job of a kind in which we have no experience, with a short execution period and fail to deliver high quality construction, within the stipulated time, the reputation of our firm will be tarnished. We have got this job as a sub-contract but we have not yet accepted this work order. Let us inform the principal contractor that we are unable to accept this order, in view of the other commitments we have" said Balachandran.
"It is not an option, Bala. This contract was obtained by a relative of the minister. He has given it to us as a sub-contract. If you don't want our firm to take up the project, I will take this order in my personal name and execute it" said Selvakumar.
"It is fine with me, Selva. After completing the jobs being executed by our firm currently, we will take a decision about continuing our partnership" said Balachandran and left.
It took two weeks for Selvakumar to search for and appoint an engineer with experience in the construction of bridges. However, even before appointing the engineer, Selvakumar started the job of laying the foundation for the bridge, under his control and supervision.
The relative of the minister who had taken the contract was putting pressure on Selvakumar to start the work immediately and complete it before the deadline.
"Before the date of election is announced, the work should be completed. Otherwise, the opposition parties and the media would brand this work as an election-oriented activity. Your work seems to be moving at snail's pace" he told Selvakumar.
"Don't worry. We will complete the work within three months" Selvakumar assured the contractor. However, inwardly, he was worried whether he would be able to complete the work before the deadline stipulated.
After the engineer took over, he found fault with some aspects of the foundation laying work and got them redone. As a result of this, some more days were lost.
"It is not possible to construct a bridge like this in such a short period. You shouldn't have accepted such a short deadline" the engineer told Selvakumar.
"I have already signed an agreement accepting the deadline. Nothing can be done about it now. The work has to be completed before the deadline accepted by me. Think how the work can be done quickly and effectively within the time given, prepare a plan accordingly and execute it" said Selvakumar.
"I will do my best. Bur some parts of the work require a minimum period of time for completion. There is no way those jobs can be done faster" said the engineer.
After the supporting pillars were constructed, the engineer told Selvakumar, "We can start the work of constructing the floor on the pillars only after five days. The pillars need a few more days of curing."
"The curing given till now is enough. We don't have time. We have to construct the floor over the pillars, erect handrails over the floor and complete the job quickly. Start the work of laying the floor on the pillars immediately" said Selvakumar.
"We cannot do it in a hurry. There can't be any compromise on the minimum curing period required" said the engineer.
"You might have studied Engineering in a college. But I am a contractor with experience. Do as I say" commanded Selvakumar.
"Sorry, sir. I can't do it. I will resign my job" said the engineer.
"Get lost! Your only contribution to this project has been delaying everything. Appointing you was a blunder committed by me. If I had got the work done under my own guidance and control, the job would have been completed by this time" yelled Selvakumar, angrily.
The engineer left, without saying anything.
Selvakumar continued the job under his control.
When the handrails of the bridge were being constructed, a crack appeared on the surface of one of the pillars. Some people captured the image of the crack in their mobile phone and shared it with their friends. The photos also appeared in the print, electronic and social media. This became a point of discussion and debate, leading to criticism of the government.
The minister's relative - the principal contractor - called up Selvakumar.
"I entrusted this job to you, expecting that you would execute the job well. But you have created an ugly situation like this. The minister is blasting me for the embarrassment caused to the government" he said bitterly.
"It is a small thing, sir. It can be rectified" said Selvakumar.
"Rectify it? If the pillar supporting the bridge develops a crack, even before the construction is over, will people have trust on the safety of the bridge? Since the election is approaching, the government wants to create an impression that it will be strict against faults and violations. So, the government has cancelled the contract given to me. You have to stop the work immediately. You or your people should not go to the work site" said the contractor.
"Sir! What about the investment I have made in this project, the amount spent by me so far and the payment for the bills submitted by me?"
"I don't owe you anything. On the other hand, you will have to pay me a substantial sum as compensation" said the contractor and ended the conversation.
Section 2
Knowing One's Strength
idaikkaN murindhAr palar.
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