Professional Documents
Culture Documents
ETA Final Letter To Client
ETA Final Letter To Client
Ref. No፡-________________
Addis Ababa
Subject:- Request for Clients Final decisions and Support for continuation of
pending Project
ENCL
Dear Sir,
ETA Engineering plc has throughly evaluated the previous drawbacks for clearer
understanding of the client and possible solutions to proceed exectution of central
kitchen works as follow:-
During the years 2014 and 2015, the contractor faced significant challenges due to
the sudden inflation of raw materials and the unexpected inflation of import items.
These factors had a profound impact on the contractor's ability to execute projects
within the scheduled timeframe.
The sudden inflation of raw materials posed a major obstacle for the contractor. As
the prices of essential materials such as steel(RHS) and electro mechanical items
such as coldrooms sky-rocketed, the contractor faced increased costs in acquiring
these resources. This increase in material costs directly impacted the contractor's
profitability and operational efficiency. It became increasingly challenging for the
contractor to procure the required materials within their budget, causing delays in
project execution.
Moreover, the execution delays caused by the inflation of raw materials and import
items had ripple effects on various aspects of the contractor's operations. These
delays not only disrupted project timelines but also impacted other associated
activities such as labor management, scheduling, and cash flow. The contractor had
to adapt to these challenges, finding ways to mitigate the effects of inflation and
minimizing the impact on project delivery.
In conclusion, the sudden day to day inflation of raw materials and the inflation of
import items during the years 2014 and 2015 had a significant impact on the
contractor. The increased costs and delays in acquiring necessary resources affected
the contractor's ability to execute projects within the designated timeframe.
Adapting to these challenges required the contractor to reassess their procurement
strategies, renegotiate contracts, and find alternative solutions to mitigate the effects
of inflation.
As we inform you about the significant delays that have occurred in the progress of
the Central Kitchen Electromechanical Work Project. Unfortunately, we have
encountered several issues that have contributed to this delay, which I will outline
below:
1. Delay in response for the proposed price amendment: Following the contractor's
request to submit proposed item rates, there was a considerable delay in getting a
response regarding the proposed price amendment. This prolonged process hindered
2. Delayed response on gas tanker civil works: The civil works necessary for the
installation of the gas tanker also experienced a significant delay. Responses and
approvals for these works took longer than anticipated, leading to an extended
waiting period of more than three months.
3. Late approval of submitted IPC No. 1 and No. 2: The approval process for the
submitted Interim Payment Certificates (IPC) No. 1 and No. 2 faced delays, which
impacted the project's timeline. This created constraints on the contractor's ability to
proceed with subsequent tasks.
4. High-rise of the dollar exchange rate: The recent surge in the exchange rate of the
dollar in the country has had an adverse impact on the procurement of necessary
equipment and materials for the project. The increased costs have strained the
budget and further contributed to the delay.
5. Time taken to finalize the Bank permit: The process of obtaining the required
permits from the Bank for project financing took longer than anticipated. The
additional time consumed in this process affected the project timeline.
6. Lack of local materials in Ziway for gas tanker civil works: A scarcity of local
materials, particularly cement, in Ziway has been a challenge in the construction of
the gas tanker civil works. This shortage has necessitated finding alternative
sourcing solutions, adding further complications to the project schedule.
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused and assure you
of our commitment to completing the Central Kitchen Electromechanical Work
Analyzing all the above issues, we also have come to conclude to proceed the
remaining works of central kitchen electro mechanical works despite the fact that
contract termination may affect both parties as discussed below through the
disadvantages:-
Advantages:
1. Project Continuity: By continuing the work with the existing contractor, the
project manager can ensure the continuity of the electromechanical work at the
central kitchen site and minimize the potential delays associated with another
company taking over the work.
2. Experience and Expertise: The current contractor is familiar with the work, site
conditions, and the scope of the project, allowing them to overcome any unforeseen
challenges with minimal delay. Hence, there will be a shorter time needed for the
completion of the project.
Disadvantages:
3. Legal Matter: If the contractor's delays and other issues have significantly
impacted the quality, cost, or timeline of the project, terminating the contract may
be necessary to protect the client's interests and prevent any further loss.
If the contractor experiences cash deficits due to the delay in payment caused by the
project, the client can offer several recommendations to support the contractor. Here
are some suggestions:
1. Prompt Payment Release: Prompt payment is one of the most important things
clients can do to support contractors during cash deficit periods. Clients can
consider releasing payments at regular intervals, making it easier for contractors to
manage cash flows.
2. Negotiating Payment Plan: The client and contractor can work together to
negotiate a payment plan that meets both parties' needs. This negotiation can
consider the contractor's projected cash outflows and the client's payment
capabilities.
5. Rescheduling Work: The client can rearrange project milestones to ease the
financial burden on the contractor. For example, delaying some milestones to when
the contractor is in a more financially sound position can be beneficial.
Request to lesser advance payment reduction instead of 37.5% to attain the full
reduction with in 80% completion of works.
When the contract amended price is raised, it means that the scope of work has
increased or changed, which requires additional resources including labor and
materials. This, in turn, impacts the overall cost of the project. Therefore, it may be
necessary to reconsider the advance payment deduction. A lesser advance payment
deduction can ease the financial pressure on the contractor, facilitating the timely
completion of the project.
Reducing the advance payment deduction can help the contractor get access to the
required finances in a more timely and effective manner, making it easier for them
to purchase materials and pay workers. It also increases the cash flow for the
contractor, which can help in managing other expenses related to the project, such
as equipment rental, permits, and more.
For the client, a lesser advance payment deduction means that they would not have
to release as much money upfront, providing them with an opportunity to exercise
greater control over the project's finances. If the scope of the work is expanded or
changed, clients may need to reassess their budget, and reducing the advance
payment deduction can help them better manage their financial obligations.
Moreover, the amendment in the contract can lead to additional time and cost
implications for the contractor. Accordingly, the reduction of advance
Possible solutions the contractor would like to get on behalf of the client
In order to support ETA in managing its financing shortage and potential project
delays, the client can provide significant cooperation through various means. Here
are some suggested actions the client can take:
1. Extending the contract duration: One way for the client to support ETA is by
extending the contract duration. This would allow ETA to have more time to
complete the project without being burdened by strict deadlines. The extension of
the contract duration can provide ETA with the necessary breathing room to
manage any financing shortage or difficulties they may be facing. It also ensures
that the project can be completed to the required standards without compromising
on quality.
In conclusion, the client's cooperation plays a vital role in supporting ETA's efforts
to manage financing shortages and potential project delays. By extending the
contract duration, facilitating the replacement of bank guarantees, allowing for
reduced advance payment deductions, and arranging advance payments for
amendment price changes, the client can contribute to smoother project execution
and ensure ETA's financial stability throughout the construction process folowing
our assured commitment to continue the project work in the central kitchen.
Sincerely Yours
General Manager
Addis Ababa