The construction industry is one of the largest generator of jobs and occupations as well as the

field which requires the most manpower, thus increasing the percent of employment in most of
the developing countries.
The International Labor Organization (ILO), a specialized agency of the United Nations,
encapsulates the construction industry in an international standard as a producer of a wide array
of products and services. It has come to a point that it has already been coined as “the industry
that comprises of six to nine percent of the gross domestic product of developed countries”
(Chitkara, 1998). The field itself also branches out to a number of enterprises which are also
diverse in their methods and application. Construction is always complex that make industry
susceptible to disputes, delays and cost exceeding. The construction industry has characteristics
that separately are share by other industries but in combination appear in construction alone
(Hillebrandt, 1984).
The United States Department of Labor defines the construction industry as companies that are
engaged in the construction of buildings or engineering projects, such as bridges and roads.
Construction work also takes place when renovating existing buildings.
In general, there are three primary types of construction projects: residential projects, such as
homes, housing developments, buildings, and garages; nonresidential projects such as large
and small commercial buildings, including stores, churches, schools, and hospitals; and
engineering projects such as bridges, roads, and reservoirs. Many types of businesses are
related to all three of these sectors. For example, surveying companies are required for all three
types of projects. Architectural and engineering firms are also needed for any type of
construction project. Additional companies directly involved in construction (aside from
construction companies themselves) include inspection service companies, project
management firms, and companies that specialize in creating models of large construction
projects. Other companies associated with the industry include those that provide plumbing,
heating, central air-conditioning, electrical wiring, lighting equipment, elevators, and escalators.
In spite of globalization and the provision of an international construction industry, majority of
the projects and products of construction are still on the small scale and are overseen by local
firms in developing rural cities. Building materials, plant and equipment are generally purchased
or hired from other enterprises. Specialized services are supplied by subcontractors, and labour
by labour agents. Design and engineering services are also provided by separate professional
entities.

One of the sub-practices that are required in the completion of various civil engineering projects
is the work that is accomplished by a “utility civil engineer” whose occupation requires him/her
to Conduct and implement the most complex and technical engineering studies and projects
related to, utilities, water supply, water distribution, water treatment, wastewater treatment,
storm water, flood and wastewater collection structures and facilities projects. Research, analyze
and make recommendations regarding major technical methodologies, practices and problems;
research and prepare reports recommending the improvement of services and measures to
improve efficiency of operations… Plan, develop, and oversee work of staff involved in
activities related to assigned areas of responsibility. Evaluate operations and activities of
assigned areas of responsibility; determine priorities; develop short and long range plans;
implement improvements and modifications; prepare various reports on operations and activities.
Participate in budget preparation and administration for
assigned areas of responsibility. Oversee the selection and management of consultant contracts
related to assigned areas of responsibility. Manage and/or participate in the preparation of
complex engineering studies and reports related to assigned areas of responsibility; oversee
coordination of assigned areas of responsibility activities with other City departments, divisions,
and sections, outside agencies, citizens, consultants, and developers. Provide staff support to a
variety of City boards, City Council, commissions, committees, and industry specific boards,
including making presentations and ascertaining direction, when appropriate, for implementation
of approved recommendations. (Woodland Council, 2013)

Developers will need to ensure that existing site information is obtained, and surveys carried out

to determine the position, extent and capacity of existing services. They will need to agree with
the provider, the design of any new infrastructure that is required, who will provide it, who will
adopt it, and any charges, as well as the appropriate testing, inspection, certification, connection
(or disconnection in the case of demolition), installation of meters, and so on.

The costs associated with utilities can be significant, both in terms of the initial capital

cost of installation (particularly if there is no existing supply or if the existing supply is
inadequate) and ongoing bills during operation. It is important therefore to ensure that the best
deal is being obtained from providers and that alternative quotes are obtained if possible.
During mobilization for construction, the contractor will need to arrange for the
necessary water, power and telecommunications services to enable the site to function.

Utilities (water, electricity and gas) are essential services that play a vital role in economic and
social development. Governments are ultimately responsible for ensuring reliable universal
access of service under accountable regulatory frameworks. Increased competition in the utilities
sectors in recent years has entailed changes in regulatory frameworks and ownership structures
of enterprises, in addition to business diversification. These have impacted job security and
working conditions in the sector. One of the key issues in the Utilities sector is the need to
respect international conventions protecting freedom of association and collective bargaining and
to avoid breakdowns in the provision of utilities where possible.

In summary, the construction industry where the occupation and the education of civil
engineering is most applied is a field which encompasses a wide variety of fields that are not
only limited to the fields of engineering and licensed occupations but also gives way for
employment for skilled workers who are as essential as the professionals in a number of
construction projects.
Utilities is a branch in Civil Engineering which are focused on three aspects: Water, Electricity,
and Gas. These are basic requirements in the construction of buildings, aside from structural
necessities of buildings and are deemed essential as the other process and phases involved in
civil engineering and construction since the work of a civil engineer ends not in the completion
of the building, but extends to the assurance of its integrity and productivity, staying true to the
oath of being active members of the dynamic force in nation building.