Schön Properties, developer of the Dh3 billion ($.081 billion) Dubai Lagoon Development, has made an initial payment of Dh50 million to Belhasa Engineering and Contracting Company (BHECC) for all civil, architectural and MEP works for a total of 17 buildings within Zones 3 and 6.

The payment was made as BHECC completed preparatory mobilisation on the Dubai Lagoon site.

Dubai Lagoon along with many other developments in Dubai suffered a series of unanticipated delays as a result of the massive civil infrastructure programs being undertaken across the emirate by RTA and other municipal authorities as well as reforms in the real estate system.

“We fully support government infrastructure developments and reforms,” said Schön Properties co-chairman Nasir H.Schon.

“The development of road and transport systems and the installation of other utilities are in the best interests of both developers and investors. In the process there have been delays, which have been frustrating for us and our customers but these are in the best interests of all and will only enhance the value of property in the long run. 

 “With Belhasa’s accelerated mobilisation, we are confident that construction will proceed according to schedule and we can focus on moving toward completion. Indeed, we have re-doubled efforts to build and deliver Dubai Lagoon on schedule with a third and final contractor poised to sign for the remaining zones.”

The Dh1.171 billion contract between Schön Properties and BHECC was signed in August 2008 and BHECC began partial mobilization during the last quarter of 2008, which included installing site cabins and moving tower cranes and other plant, equipment and machinery on-site.

BHECC also recently completed setting up their project office, which is situated adjacent to the Dubai Lagoon site.  Dubai Municipality issued permission to commence with the main contract works on January 5 and BHECC initiated its 30-day mobilisation period, with an initial 80-man workforce setting up essential facilities and bringing in equipment and building materials. 

By March 2009, manpower on the 897,000 square foot Zone 3 is expected to double, increasing as progress continues and reaching a peak of over 1600 workers at the height of construction activity.  The larger 1,376,000 square foot zone 6 is expected to have a labour force of approximately 2000 workers at the peak of construction.

The mobilisation process was accelerated by BHECC and the contractor was able to launch ground works in Zone 3 ahead of schedule. 
The first binding concrete was poured during the 3rd week of January. Belhasa is responsible for completing all civil, architectural and MEP works for a total of 17 buildings within Zones 3 and 6.

“Belhasa Contracting and Engineering Company are one of the most reputable and reliable contracting companies in the market today, and this has been reflected in their exemplary mobilisation of resources to start work on Dubai Lagoon,” said vice-president of Schön Properties Asher H. Schön.

“We had to be patient as permits were secured for construction but now that the process has finally been completed, on-site activity will increase dramatically and investors can be assured that their units will be delivered with speed.”

Belhasa Contracting and Engineering Company is one of Dubai’s leading contractors and has undertaken a wide range of construction projects including five star hotels, mosques, multi-storey residential complexes, government buildings, shopping malls, multipurpose indoor sports halls, auditoriums, schools and office blocks. 

Recent large scale BHECC projects have included construction of 200 residential units in the Green Community, 10 office blocks as well as the 48 storey Salam Tower in Dubai Media City, Mövenpick Hotel (Holiday Inn) in Oud Metha and three, and the 50-storey mi