Draft Quarterly Progress Report GPO May-June-July 2014 (08-08-2014)

Restoration of GPO Buiding, Murree
Quarterly Progress Report

May to July, 2014
Table of Contents:
1. INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 5
2. CURRENT PROGRESS ................................................................................................................. 5
2.1. Dismantling of Front Façade................................................................................................... 5
2.2. Removal of Internal Plaster from Front Façade ...................................................................... 6
2.3. Removal of Plaster, Ceiling and Floor of Rooms (Ground Floor) .......................................... 6
2.4. Removal of Plaster, Ceiling and Floor of Internal Halls (Ground Floor) ............................... 7
2.5. Removal of Plaster, Ceiling and Floor of Rooms (First Floor) ............................................... 7
3. SITE VISIT ..................................................................................................................................... 8
3.1. Project Site Visit of Mr. Asif Kirmani – (Political Secretary to the Prime Minister): ............ 8
3.2. Initial visit at GPO Building Murree (Site): ............................................................................ 9
i. Objective: .............................................................................................................................................. 9
ii. Date of Visit: ......................................................................................................................................... 9
iii. Participants: ........................................................................................................................................... 9
iv. Picture of Meeting at Site .................................................................................................................... 10
3.3. 2nd Visit at GPO Building Murree (Site) ............................................................................... 11
i. Objective: ............................................................................................................................................ 11
ii. Date of Visit: ....................................................................................................................................... 11
iii. Participants: ......................................................................................................................................... 11
iv. Summary of Work Done: .................................................................................................................... 11
v. Picture of Meeting at Site .................................................................................................................... 12
3.4. 3rd Visit at GPO Building Murree (Site) ............................................................................... 13
i. Objective: ............................................................................................................................................ 13
ii. Date of Visit: ....................................................................................................................................... 13
v. Picture of Meeting at Site: ................................................................................................................... 14
3.5. 4th Visit at GPO Building Murree (Site) ............................................................................... 15
i. Objectives: .......................................................................................................................................... 15
ii. Visit Dates: .......................................................................................................................................... 15
iv. Picture of work in progress at Site: ..................................................................................................... 15
v. Objectives: .......................................................................................................................................... 17
2
May to July, 2014
vi. Visit Dates: .......................................................................................................................................... 17

vii. Participants: ......................................................................................................................................... 17
viii. Picture of work in progress at Site: ..................................................................................................... 17
i. Objectives: .......................................................................................................................................... 19
ii. Visit Dates: .......................................................................................................................................... 19
v. Picture of work in progress at Site: ..................................................................................................... 20
3
May to July, 2014
List of Tables:
Table -1: Roles and Responsibilities of Project Stakeholders: ............................................................... 5

Table -2: Participants of Visit 22nd- 23rdMay 2014 ............................................................................... 11
Table-3: Participants of Visit 28th -30th May 2014 ............................................................................... 13
Table -4: Participants of Visit 9th-10thJune 2014 .................................................................................. 15
Table-5: Participants of Visit 1st July 2014 .......................................................................................... 17
Table-6: Participants of Visit 22nd July 2014 ....................................................................................... 19
List of Figures:
Figure -1: Dismantled first floor roof ................................................................................................... 15
Figure -2: The only original timber roof truss which has been retained .............................................. 16
Figure- 3: Exposed original wall with buttresses ................................................................................. 16
Figure -4: Dismantled first floor roof ................................................................................................... 17
Figure -5: Dismantled Beams ............................................................................................................... 17
Figure- 6: Dismantled Front Hall ........................................................................................................ 18
Figure -7: 1st floor gallery store roof dismantling ............................................................................... 20
Figure -8: Dismantled Verandah 1 ....................................................................................................... 21
Figure- 9: Dismantled Front Ribbed Tiled Floor ................................................................................. 21
Figure 10: Condition of wall due to removal of RCC works on the façade .......................................... 21
Figure 11: Cleaning of original stone walls and buttresses ................................................................. 22
Figure 12: Cleaning of original stone walls ......................................................................................... 22
4
May to July, 2014
1. INTRODUCTION
Restoration of GPO Building has been demarcated as an important land mark project under
“Prime Minister’s Murree Development / beautification Program”, The Government of
Pakistan with the Pakistan Post Office Department has engaged Urban Sector Planning and
Management Service Unit (The Urban Unit), P&D Department Punjab for the detailed design
and implementation of the project “Restoration of G.P.O. Building, Murree” to
conserve/restore the same in its original form. The contract agreement (herein after called the
“Agreement”) made on 13th of May, 2014 by and between M/s Urban Unit (Urban Sector
Planning and Management Services) and M/s Capital Builders.
The role and responsibilities of the Project is as under:
Table -1: Roles and Responsibilities of Project Stakeholders:
Project Stakeholders Roles and Responsibilities
Pakistan Post Office Department Client
Urban Unit Employer
Prof Fauziah Qureshi Architect
Mr. Iftikhar Rasool Engineer
M/s Capital Builders Contractor
2. CURRENT PROGRESS
2.1. Dismantling of Front Façade
a. Demolition of left side of front façade
Wood ceiling and purlins of verandah as well as G.I sheet from roof is completely
removed. Removal of brick limestone render/plaster is complete. Structural
dismantling of arches is complete as the structural aspects of the building must be
removed in a careful and sequential manner to maintain the integrity of the building.
So arches are removed very carefully. All doors and windows with frames and
associated trims are completely removed. Photographic representation of dismantling
is attached as Annex-A
5
May to July, 2014
b. Dismantling of Right side of front façade
Removal of brick limestone render/plaster is complete. Wood ceiling and purlins of

verandah as well as G.I sheet from roof is also completely removed. Structural
dismantling of arches is complete in a very careful manner as the removal of
structural aspects of the building should be in a way to maintain the integrity of the
building. All doors and windows with frames and associated trims are completely
removed. Photographic representation of dismantling is attached as Annex-B
c. Front façade dismantling
Wood ceiling and purlins of verandah as well as G.I sheet from roof is completely
removed. Removal of brick limestone render/plaster is complete. Structural
dismantling of arches is complete as the structural aspects of the building must be
removed in a careful and sequential manner to maintain the integrity of the building.
So arches are removed very carefully. All doors and windows with frames and
associated trims are completely removed. Photographic representation of dismantling
is attached as Annex-H
2.2. Removal of Internal Plaster from Front Façade
a. Removal of internal plaster from front façade
Brick limestone render/plaster is completely removed from the walls of corridors and
verandahs. Photographic representation of dismantling is attached as Annex-C
2.3. Removal of Plaster, Ceiling and Floor of Rooms (Ground Floor)
a. Removal of plaster, ceiling and floor of Room-I
Brick limestone render/plaster is completely removed from ceiling and walls.

Removal of tiles from floor is complete. False ceiling is also completely removed.
Photographic representation of dismantling is attached as Annex-D
b. Removal of plaster, ceiling and floor of Room-II
Brick limestone render/plaster is completely removed from ceiling, walls and floor.
Partitions are completely removed and false ceiling is removed completely.
Photographic representation of dismantling is attached as Annex-E
6
May to July, 2014
2.4. Removal of Plaster, Ceiling and Floor of Internal Halls (Ground Floor)
a. Removal of plaster, ceiling and floor of Hall-I
Brick limestone render/plaster is completely removed from ceiling and walls. Floor
tiles are also completely removed .Column covers and false ceiling are completely
removed. Photographic representation of dismantling is attached as Annex-F
b. Removal of plaster, ceiling and floor of Hall-II
tiles are also completely removed. Column covers and false ceiling are completely
removed. Photographic representation of dismantling is attached as Annex-G
2.5. Removal of Plaster, Ceiling and Floor of Rooms (First Floor)
a. Removal of plaster, ceiling and floor of Room-II
tiles and false ceiling are completely removed. Photographic representation of
dismantling is attached as Annex-I
b. Removal of plaster, ceiling and floor of Room-III
dismantling is attached as Annex-J
c. Removal of plaster, ceiling and floor of Room-IV
dismantling is attached as Annex-K
7
May to July, 2014
3. SITE VISIT
3.1. Project Site Visit of Mr. Asif Kirmani – (Political Secretary to the Prime Minister):
Urban Unit had also arranged for a visit by Mr. Asif Kirmani, Political Secretary to the
Prime Minister in order to show the progress of work as well as the precarious condition
of the structure.
Mr. Asif Kirmani during his visit was informed of this process and the technicalities that
are emerging. He also expressed his concern on seeing the condition of the structure and
agreed with the consultant that this condition will have an impact on the costing and time
frame of the works. He requested that this should be bought to the notice of the steering
committee. He did reiterate that the maximum effort should be made to retain and restore
all the original details such as the chimneys, fireplaces, staircases etc.
Progress of work at site and site observations:
Practically all the ground floor plaster and floors had been dismantled. First floor plaster
and removal of false ceiling dismantling in progress to expose the timber roof trusses.
Mr. Asif Kirmani during his visit was informed of documentation process and the
technicalities that are emerging. He also expressed his concern on seeing the condition of
the structure and agreed with the consultant that this condition will have an impact on
the costing and time frame of the works. He requested that this should be bought to the
notice of the steering committee. He did reiterate that the maximum effort should be
made to retain and restore all the original details such as the chimneys, fireplaces,
staircases etc.
Picture of Visit:
8
May to July, 2014
Regular Site Visit:
3.2. Initial visit at GPO Building Murree (Site):
i. Objective:
Mobilization of contractor at site and confirmation of timelines and procedure of

dismantling works.
ii. Date of Visit:
28th- 29th April 2014
iii. Participants:
Table- 2: Participants of Visit 28th-29th April, 2014
Sr. Name of participants Roles and Responsibilities

No
1 Prof. Fauziah Qureshi Architect
2 Mr. IftikharRasool Engineer
3 Mr. ArifGondal Contractor
4 Mr. MauzamUsman Contractor
5 Ms Nadia N. Qureshi Urban Unit
6 Mr. Muhammad Kashif Urban Unit
7 Mr. Khalil Pakistan Post
8 Farrukh Jamal Consultant-(Project Director)
9 Col NawizChaudary Consultant-(Contracts engineer)
10 Rabia Qureshi Consultant-(Architect/documentation team leader)
11 Naveed Husain Architect
The Architect briefed the project to all the stakeholders regarding the project as a whole.
The contractor explained the dismantling methodology which was further refined by the
Architect. The engineer explained the details of progress reports to be submitted on
regular basis
9
May to July, 2014
iv. Picture of Meeting at Site
10
May to July, 2014
3.3. 2nd Visit at GPO Building Murree (Site)
i. Objective:
Progress of work on dismantling and documentation after removal of wall plaster and
floor tiles
ii. Date of Visit:
22nd- 23rdMay 2014
iii. Participants:
Table -3: Participants of Visit 22nd- 23rdMay 2014

No
1 Prof. Fauziah Qureshi Architect
5 Mr.JamilNousha Documentation Team of Consultant
6 Mr. M. Akram (stayed till 25th May)
iv. Summary of Work Done:
The contactor had initiated the demolition works however the pace of work was slow
due to lack of labor employed at the site. The works undertaken till the 22nd May
included removal of plaster from the ground floor rooms, partial false ceiling and
floor tiles of the main hall.
The contractor was requested to increase his labor to expedite the demolition works.
The documentation team began the documentation to note the additions in the original
documentation post the removal of plaster and floor finishes which included the
revised dimensions and condition of the exposed stone wall.
On next day the contractor had mobilized additional labor and works were initiated on
the external walls and verandahs. A team of carpenters began the removal of the wood
ceiling – purlins and planks of the verandahs.
11
May to July, 2014
v. Picture of Meeting at Site
12
May to July, 2014
3.4. 3rd Visit at GPO Building Murree (Site)
i. Objective:
Engineer’s evaluation/assessment of the structural condition of the building.
ii. Date of Visit:
28th -30th May 2014
iii. Participants:
Table-4: Participants of Visit 28th -30th May 2014

No
1 Prof. Fauziah Qureshi Architect/Consultant
2 Mr. IftikharRasool Engineer
6 Mr. Muhammad Kashif Urban Unit
7 Engg. TahirSaeed Architect /Consultant representative
8 Ms.Rabia Qureshi Consultant representative
The PCC flooring was in the process of removal. The contractor had placed jacks to
support the roof as the dismantling continued to ensure that the stone wall are not put
under additional stress.
The updated drawings from the previous site visit of 23rd May were verified and there
emerged additional changes over the last 5 days. These changes will have to be
incorporated in the conservation proposal. Therefore it was decided that the proposal
drawings would be withheld from the contractor till such time that the complete
picture of the building is available after the removal of the plaster and studying the
structural condition of the walls in particular in order to arrive at a realistic proposal.
13
May to July, 2014
The dismantling works were in continuous progress. The consultant instructed the
contractor to dismantle the 2 feet thick wall which had been built at a later stage to
support the south verandah. The windows were also being carefully removed from the
walls.
v. Picture of Meeting at Site:
14
May to July, 2014
3.5. 4th Visit at GPO Building Murree (Site)
i. Objectives:
Review progress of dismantling of the roof trusses on the first floor.
ii. Visit Dates:
9th -10th June, 2014
iii. Participants:
Table -5: Participants of Visit 9th-10thJune 2014

No
iv. Picture of work in progress at Site:
Figure -1: Dismantled first floor roof
15
May to July, 2014
Figure -2: The only original timber roof truss which has been retained
Figure- 3: Exposed original wall with buttresses
This (Figure-3) was all hidden behind a wall constructed to support the new verandah (now
dismantled)
16
May to July, 2014
i. Objectives:
Removal of Allah Monument from GPO Choke.
ii. Visit Dates:
1st July, 2014
iii. Participants:
Table 2: Participants of Visit 1st July 2014

No
iv. Picture of work in progress at Site:
Figure -4: Dismantled first floor roof
Figure -5: Dismantled Beams
17
May to July, 2014
Figure- 6: Dismantled Front Hall
18
May to July, 2014
i. Objectives:
Cleaning and restoration of Stone Masonry Work at Site.
ii. Visit Dates:
22nd July, 2014
iii. Participants:
Table 3: Participants of Visit 22nd July 2014

No
1 Ms. Syeda Saani Urban Unit
2 Mr. Fawad Urban Unit
3 Farrukh Jamal Consultant-(Project Director)

The demolition works at the site were almost complete and the site had been cleared of
the debris. The reconstruction works had not been initiated due to the unavailability of
skilled stone masons who are experienced in lime construction.
The progress of works is as follows:
1. Clearing of the site. This has revealed a number of new discoveries particularly
window openings and doors. A new window has been discovered on the rear south
wall after removal of stone masonry intervention blocking the opening. A door
leading to the first floor from the internal staircase was also opened. Original
openings for ventilation of the toilets which had been blocked with masonry were
also opened.
2. Protection from rain water penetration onto the site considering that there is no roof
on the first floor. This has been done by placing plastic sheets on the flooring of the
first floor. The walls were still exposed to the weather and the consultant advised
that the wall should also be covered with plastic to avoid water penetration from
the top and sides of the exposed first floor walls. Some areas of the plastic on the
first floor were no appropriated overlapped and the contractor was asked to ensure
that this is remedied. The site engineer and supervisor were advised to ensure
foolproof protection of the site from rain water considering the fact that there will
be no labor on the site during the Eid break except for the custodian staff.
3. The clearing of the site of the site at the rear shows the extremely poor condition of
the public health infrastructure and the condition of the retaining wall. The pipes
19
May to July, 2014
for sewage and water supply will all be replaced. The pipes from the adjacent
Postal services building which are opening on to the open drain within the site will
have to be diverted away using an alternative route. An underground sewage pipe
will have to replace the open sewage drain running along the retaining wall at the
rear.
4. The window openings on the ground and first floor now provide ample light and
ventilation within the building which had been blocked due to construction of
poorly planned additions.
5. The ground floor timber ceiling/first floor flooring has been secured using jacks
and scaffolding by the contractor. The façade wall which had been built in concrete
has been completely dismantled and the roofing is being supported with jacks. Due
to the extremely poor procedures adopted to construct the RCC façade there has
been considerable damage caused to the stone walls that abutted the facadc which
will have to be reconstructed in order to ensure stability.
6. The flooring has all been removed and internal and external levels demarcated.
PCC for the flooring of the internal ground floors and the verandahs was in
progress and will be completed before the Eid break.
7. A sample of the stone masonry was installed using lime mortar on the previous
visit. The Lime mortar had set by this time and the consultant approved the quality
of the mortar except that the lime to be used has now to be slaked at the site unlike
the quality of lime used for the sample to ensure additional strength.
8. The exposed original walls were being cleaned using a steel brush and the original
color of the stone was being restored
v. Picture of work in progress at Site:
Figure -7: 1st floor gallery store roof dismantling
20
May to July, 2014
Figure -8: Dismantled Verandah 1
Figure- 9: Dismantled Front Ribbed Tiled Floor
Figure 10: Condition of wall due to removal of RCC works on the façade
21
May to July, 2014
Figure 11: Cleaning of original stone walls and buttresses
Figure 12: Cleaning of original stone walls
22

Draft Quarterly Progress Report GPO May-June-July 2014 (08-08-2014)

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Restoration of GPO Buiding, Murree

Quarterly Progress Report

vi. Visit Dates: .......................................................................................................................................... 17

Table -1: Roles and Responsibilities of Project Stakeholders: ............................................................... 5

The role and responsibilities of the Project is as under:

Table -1: Roles and Responsibilities of Project Stakeholders:

Project Stakeholders Roles and Responsibilities

Pakistan Post Office Department Client

Urban Unit Employer

Prof Fauziah Qureshi Architect

Mr. Iftikhar Rasool Engineer

M/s Capital Builders Contractor

2.1. Dismantling of Front Façade

a. Demolition of left side of front façade

b. Dismantling of Right side of front façade

Removal of brick limestone render/plaster is complete. Wood ceiling and purlins of

c. Front façade dismantling

2.2. Removal of Internal Plaster from Front Façade

a. Removal of internal plaster from front façade

2.3. Removal of Plaster, Ceiling and Floor of Rooms (Ground Floor)

a. Removal of plaster, ceiling and floor of Room-I

Brick limestone render/plaster is completely removed from ceiling and walls.

b. Removal of plaster, ceiling and floor of Room-II

a. Removal of plaster, ceiling and floor of Hall-I

b. Removal of plaster, ceiling and floor of Hall-II

2.5. Removal of Plaster, Ceiling and Floor of Rooms (First Floor)

a. Removal of plaster, ceiling and floor of Room-II

b. Removal of plaster, ceiling and floor of Room-III

c. Removal of plaster, ceiling and floor of Room-IV

Progress of work at site and site observations:

Regular Site Visit:

3.2. Initial visit at GPO Building Murree (Site):

Mobilization of contractor at site and confirmation of timelines and procedure of

ii. Date of Visit:

28th- 29th April 2014

Table- 2: Participants of Visit 28th-29th April, 2014

Sr. Name of participants Roles and Responsibilities

1 Prof. Fauziah Qureshi Architect

2 Mr. IftikharRasool Engineer

3 Mr. ArifGondal Contractor

4 Mr. MauzamUsman Contractor

5 Ms Nadia N. Qureshi Urban Unit

6 Mr. Muhammad Kashif Urban Unit

7 Mr. Khalil Pakistan Post

8 Farrukh Jamal Consultant-(Project Director)

9 Col NawizChaudary Consultant-(Contracts engineer)

10 Rabia Qureshi Consultant-(Architect/documentation team leader)

11 Naveed Husain Architect

iv. Picture of Meeting at Site

3.3. 2nd Visit at GPO Building Murree (Site)

ii. Date of Visit:

22nd- 23rdMay 2014

Table -3: Participants of Visit 22nd- 23rdMay 2014

Sr. Name of participants Roles and Responsibilities

1 Prof. Fauziah Qureshi Architect

2 Mr. ArifGondal Contractor

3 Mr. MauzamUsman Contractor

4 Ms Nadia N. Qureshi Urban Unit

5 Mr.JamilNousha Documentation Team of Consultant

6 Mr. M. Akram (stayed till 25th May)

iv. Summary of Work Done:

v. Picture of Meeting at Site

3.4. 3rd Visit at GPO Building Murree (Site)

Engineer’s evaluation/assessment of the structural condition of the building.