The consultant engineer, Ahmed Al Jolo, the former president of the Federation of Arab Engineers and the former president of the Society of Qatari Engineers explained that engineers are a distinguished class and are able to act quickly, adapt, and find alternative solutions.
Moreover, that the contracting sector, like other sectors were affected by the Corona crisis in all countries of the world and the Arab Gulf countries in general. This is in terms of employment, materials, resources and financial flows, especially in locations with high labor intensity that is affected by health safety measures and adherence to health controls related to tackling the Coronavirus.
Engineer Ahmed Al Jolo saw that the Corona crisis had a negative impact on the economy and on all sectors including the contracting sector. He hopes that the crisis will end quickly, as some owners have become sensitive to the costs due to uncertainty, and there has been layoffs for some of the employment of some companies, which affected either the engineer or technicians.
In terms of the impact of the Corona crisis on building materials, Engineer Al Jolo explained that basic building materials are available in the local market; including cement, steel, bricks and other basic materials, although some special and delicate finishing materials may have been affected by logistical matters related to shipping and may not be present extensively In the market. However, the rest of the basic materials are available.
In terms of establishing local industries for some building materials,
Engineer Ahmed engineer has made it clear that the state encourages local industries not from now but from the beginning of the blockade. In addition, entry to this field is required and there are local companies with a long history in such industries. Governmental institutions encourage the use of locally manufactured materials. And the technical authorities in general who adopt the international technical specifications encourage the local industries that adhere to international quality and are able to adhere to the approved specifications. He also indicated that some government agencies give a percentage to local industries, and some are required to do so, and this is a great role and support from these government institutions, especially since it is not difficult for manufacturers to adhere to international specifications.
With regard to engineering students and the demand to study engineering, Eng. Ahmed Al Jolo indicated that there is still a need for engineers in operations, industry, management, and maintenance, especially since the project does not end upon delivery, but the role of the engineer for operation and maintenance continues. Engineers are required everywhere and they are able to adapt and have skills to use in many areas. Knowing that projects are still ongoing and still the management of project operation and maintenance of roads, bridges, tunnels, and other facilities are still needed. Even if the engineer does not find work in his field of work, he can work in other sectors until he returns to his specialty. The engineer thinks about all directions, not in one direction.
Engineer Al Jolo pointed out that there is a need to adapt some university courses to match the practical reality. Universities need to communicate with the reality of projects to know what is required in the industry and the market. For example, railways, trains, and transportation are now required, and teaching such courses are required to bridge the gap between academia and practical reality. Also, soft skills are needed to assist the engineer in dealing with reality, solving problems, dealing with owners and consultants, and others.
Eng. Ahmed believes that the engineer is able to adapt, and Eng. Ahmed advised students to work first in the field of projects and reality before he resumed his graduate studies since engineering is a practice and reality more than equations and numbers. Experience will help engineering students a lot in the field of postgraduate study and beyond.