SWEPT up in the frenzy of a construction boom, some players are choosing to rapidly churn out substandard buildings according to senior director in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation Kinson Case.

He’s worried that quantity is outpacing quality.

“The Government’s push for affordable housing, the increase in private sector investments, and increased remittances from the Diaspora have all contributed to a frenzy of activity. But, this surge has come with challenges,” said Case.

In his view, Jamaica’s construction industry is at a turning point and the choices made today will shape the country in years to come. He longs for the day when “quality work becomes the standard, not the exception”.

Case, who has been the ministry’s head of technical services, projects, and housing branch since September 2023, has extensive experience in construction management. In a column submitted to the Jamaica Observer, he outlined five steps that can be followed to take advantage of the boom by boosting demand for quality work, which will make the industry more competitive in the long run. Among his suggestions is a call for “Government to enforce building codes and standards to ensure that all projects meet minimum quality requirements”.

Read on for the full text of Case’s column.

“Jamaica is experiencing a construction boom. From high-rise developments in Kingston to housing schemes across the island, the demand for construction services is at an all-time high. But as someone who has spent more than 16 years in the industry — 11 of those leading complex projects both locally and internationally — I’ve found myself wondering: While the quantity of demand has skyrocketed, has the quality of that demand kept pace?

With my experience in construction management and a recently completed MBA in general management, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of strategic frameworks and applying them to the industry. One such framework is Porter’s Diamond Model. This method, which looks at the factors driving competitive advantage in industries, can shed light on what’s happening in Jamaica’s construction sector.

Quantity of demand: A double-edged sword

One of the cornerstones of the model is demand conditions — specifically the quantity and quality of demand. In Jamaica, the quantity of demand is undeniable. The Government’s push for affordable housing, the increase in private sector investments, and increased remittances from the Diaspora have all contributed to a frenzy of activity.

But this surge has come with challenges. A higher volume of projects has driven up the cost of raw materials, labour and services. For example, cement prices have soared, and skilled workers are now charging premiums. While this can be seen as a natural response to market dynamics, it also places pressure on contractors and clients to cut costs, sometimes at the expense of quality.

Quality of demand: An overlooked opportunity

The bigger question, however, is whether Jamaicans truly understand the value of quality in construction. Are clients demanding innovative, sustainable, and structurally sound buildings; or are they simply looking for the cheapest and fastest options?

This is where the quality of demand comes into play. Developed nations tend to benefit from more informed consumers who know what to look for, whether it’s energy-efficient designs, durable materials, or compliance with strict building codes.

In contrast, many clients in Jamaica are focused on getting the job done as quickly and inexpensively as possible, often unaware of the long-term implications of poor-quality work.

For instance, I’ve seen projects where corners were cut to save costs, leading to structural issues down the line. This not only diminishes the client’s return on investment but also undermines the reputation of the industry as a whole.

What can we do?

Porter’s model emphasises the importance of improving demand quality to drive industry competitiveness. Here’s how Jamaica can take steps in that direction:

1)
Consumer education: The construction boom is an opportunity to educate clients about the importance of quality. Public awareness campaigns, workshops, and partnerships with industry associations can help clients understand what to look for in contractors, materials, and designs.

2)
Stricter regulations: The Government must enforce building codes and standards to ensure that all projects meet minimum quality requirements. This will protect consumers while encouraging contractors to prioritise quality.

3)
Focus on sustainability: With climate change a growing concern, demand for sustainable construction practices must be encouraged. This includes using eco-friendly materials and designs that reduce energy consumption.

4)
Hiring certified project managers: Certified project managers, particularly those with Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, can play a key role in ensuring project quality. They act as advocates for clients, tying together all aspects of a project such as managing timelines, budgets, and quality standards. While hiring a project manager may involve additional costs, it ensures that clients get the best value for their investment.

5)
Building professional capacity: Finally, the industry must invest in training and certifying professionals to ensure that quality work becomes the standard, not the exception.

Call to action

Jamaica’s construction boom is a chance to redefine the industry. While the quantity of demand is driving growth, we must focus on improving the quality of demand to ensure long-term success. By doing so we will not only build stronger, more sustainable structures but also create a more competitive and respected construction sector.

The choice is ours; do we embrace this moment as an opportunity to set new standards, or do we let it pass as just another boom-and-bust cycle?”

High-rise developments have now become part of the Kingston skyline with the ongoing construction boom.

Professionals look over an architectural plan.

A plumber engineer checks the sewer pipe network system at a construction site.

The views expressed in the article above are the personal opinion of Mr Kinson Case.