DEDAN KIMATHI UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

PRIVATE BAG 10143-DEDAN KIMATHI

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING,

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

TITLE: External attachment report

NAME: Juma Dancan Juma

COURSE: Bachelor’s Degree in Building

Construction

REG NO: T056-01-2339/2021

FIELD SUPERVISOR: Arch Simon Ogolla

ATTACHMENT PERIOD:8th January TO

29th March,2024

YEAR OF STUDY:2024/2025

ORGANISATION: Department of Roads

Transport and Public Works

INST SUPERVISOR: DR KAROKI

An external attachment report submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of
the degree of Bachelor of Technology in Building Construction of Dedan Kimathi University of
Technology
DECLARATION
I, Juma Dancan Juma, declare that this research project is my own work and to the best of my
knowledge, it has never been submitted for the award of any degree in any university.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to thank God for the charitable time, strength, good health and attitude that enabled
me to complete my attachment period.
My sincere gratitude goes to my supervisor Dr Karoki for assessing my progress during my
attachment period
Thanks also to the contractor Mr. Stephen Musyoka and my industrial supervisor Arch Simon
Ogolla for the assistance and training offered. My appreciation to my parents and siblings for
their support and encouragement.

ABSTRACT
Industrial attachment is a key conceptual art of learning while pursuing the programme. We
were accorded a period of twelve weeks for a practical training which started at 8th January to
29th March, 2024. This gave me an opportunity to apply the class theoretical knowledge into
real practical work. I was trained as a site engineer; it gave me an opportunity to supervise the
construction work closely. In order to comply the industrial attachment objectives, I participated
in all technical works done at construction site include site preparation, interpretation of
technical drawings, building setting out, rebar reinforcement works such as cutting, bending,
reinforcement binding of structural members, footing and foundation excavations, carpentry
works such as formwork preparation, scaffolding, quality assurance and quality control of
concreting operations such as volumetric batching, concrete ingredients mixing, transportations,
placing into well prepared formworks, compactions with the aim of consolidating fresh concrete
to remove void and avoiding bleeding and segregation, curing with aim of achieving cement
hydration which leads to the strength of concrete, removal formwork and finishes, stone
masonry works, checking quality of construction materials, human resources management, site
management, practical skills of using tools and equipment at construction site. During my
attachment period, I also increased knowledge about team work skills, time management skills,
working under pressure, meeting with dateline, multitask management.

ABBREVIATIONS
• DeKUT- DEDAN KIMATHI UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
• INST - Institution.
• ENG - Engineer.
• ATTACH- Attachment.

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LIST OF TABLES

Contents
DECLARATION ......................................................................................................................................... 2
LIST OF FIGURES ...................................................................................................................................... 4
LIST OF ACRONYMS ................................................................................................................................. 4
INTRODUCTION. ...................................................................................................................................... 5
1.1 Background of the field attachment program .................................................................................. 7
1.2 OBJECTIVES ....................................................................................................................................... 7
1.4 Structure and organization of Nakuru County Region ...................................................................... 8
2 EXPERIENCES. ................................................................................................................................... 10
2.5 Experiences I Enjoyed Most During My Attachment at Nakuru County Public Works. .................. 12
2.6 Things I Enjoyed Least and Why...................................................................................................... 13
2.7 Problems Experienced and How They Were Handled .................................................................... 14
2.8 Major Benefits Derived from the Field Attachment Program ........................................................ 15
3 CONCLUSION ................................................................................................................................. 15
4 RECOMMENDATIONS ....................................................................................................................... 16
5 REFERENCES ..................................................................................................................................... 16

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 LIST OF FIGURES
The figures used in the written text are all listed and a labeled as per the
Illustrations of the work done at the tail end of the report.

LIST OF ACRONYMS
(i) DeKUT- DEDAN KIMATHI UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
(ii) INST - Institution.
(iii)ENG - Engineer.
(iv) ATTACH- Attachment.

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 INTRODUCTION.
Construction is a process of constructing a building or infrastructure. Building Construction is
the process of adding structure to real property. Construction of buildings and infrastructures
plays an important role in the development of countries. Construction differs from
manufacturing in which involves mass production of similar items without a designated
purchaser, while construction it takes place on location for a known client.
Construction starts with planning of building or infrastructure for construction, design of layout
for construction and financing or costing require for construction. A small-scale construction
includes the construction of houses, residential apartments, buildings. Large scale construction
includes constructions of Residential projects, bridges, infrastructures. Large scale construction
requires collaboration of multiple disciplines, sometimes it referred as mega projects.
Building constructions are made of public construction and private construction. Public
construction includes the construction under government projects such as building of offices,
construction of bridges, railways, highways, mega projects, etc. Private construction includes the
construction of houses, apartments and complexes, private building projects.

Construction of Buildings
Foundation:
There are several types of foundations are used in the constructions such as pile foundation,
pad foundation, raft foundation, spread footing. The selection of foundation depends upon the
soil condition and the amount of load applies on the foundation. It depends upon the heavy
load such as the several stories of a building apply on the foundation and the condition of
soil.

Concrete and Reinforced

Concrete:
Concrete is also called as RCC since along with the concrete reinforcement is also present.
There are various grades are available of concrete form M15 to M40 and special grades from
M60 to M80. The mix concrete grades can be proportion of M sand, coarse sand, slag,
cement and slag, ash, water. Those grades of concrete are mixed in a lab for several days to
check the strength of concrete and after that the suitable concrete is used at the construction
site.

Wood Construction:
Wood construction is one of the most popular method of residential construction. Wood
construction is very useful for residential constructions, it improve efficiency, performance
and reduce construction waste. Wood construction includes timber framing, wood coating,
wood furniture restoration, wood layering, wood tiles, wood floor boards.

Steel and Composite

Structures:

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Steel and composite buildings are such types of buildings which can be used for industrial
construction. The components used for the construction of steel and composite structures are
foundation, foundation bolts, columns, steel sheds, trusses, side sheeting, roof sheeting. The
steel structures have grown rapidly in industrial areas. These types of structures are used for
construction of factory layouts, storages, manufacturing units, logistics. The construction
time of steel structure is less and it can be recycled easily.

Basic Steps for Building Construction

Construction starts with planning, design, and financing; it continues until the project is built
and ready for use. Whenever a plan is to be developed for a new building, it is a requirement of
having an idea about the start and the end of the building project. The basic steps involve in the
building project are:
-Planning
-Designing
-Preparation of construction site
-Foundation construction
-Structure construction

Planning
The planning of a building construction involves developing the building layout and the
construction plan, the costing of a building material, analyzing the finance, selection of a raw
material to be requires for construction, selection of a construction team.

Designing
The designing of a building construction is very important for a project. It involves the
developing the building layout and the construction plan, make a Bill of Quantities(BOQ) for
analysis of the material to be required for the construction, release all the layout drawings
which are required on the construction site.

Preparation of construction site

The construction process begins while the preparation of a construction site. It involves
excavation, leveling, filling of ground to prepare the site. The necessary excavation for
power, water, and sanitation lines.

Foundation construction
Building constructions are mainly constructed on concrete foundations. The selection of
foundation depends upon the soil condition and the amount of load applies on the foundation.
Shallow foundations are required for low-rise building. For high-rise building, pile
foundation is employed. After foundation is selected, the exaction of soil is started, it is
formed as a foundation of the layout.

Structure Construction

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Structure construction it’s the building of the structure/frame of the building with masonry
walls. It involves the construction of roof, siding, flooring works, installation of heating, air-
conditioning, ventilation, interior and exterior.

1.1 Background of the field attachment program

I was able to get a field work attachment in Nakuru city which served as an integral
component of academic learning, it offered a real-world exposure to the construction
industry. Nakuru City located in the larger Nakuru county region, is an urban center with a
growing infrastructure and construction sector.
As part of the program, I was immersed in the vibrant construction projects, interacting with
industry professionals and apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios.
By participating in the field attachment program, I was able to enhance the technical skills
and also develop a deeper understanding of the social-economic factors influencing the
construction industry in Nakuru region as a whole.

1.2 OBJECTIVES
(1) Apply theoretical knowledge to real world scenarios.
(2) Gain hands-on experience in the field of building and construction.
(3) Develop practical skills essential for professional growth.
(4) Forster collaboration and networking with professionals in the field.
(5) Gain insights into the socio-economic dynamics of Nakuru county region.

1.3 Background of the organization: Nakuru County Government

Department of Roads, Transport and Public Works.
The public service workboard is a renowned inter-governmental corporation mandated by
the devolved Constitution of Kenya 2010-by law to efficiently monitor and supervise county
development projects at county-level specializing in a wide array of construction services. It
was established in 2010, by the 2010 Constitution permitting a devolved government
establishment.
The service board has established itself as a leader in the construction industry, with a
reputation for quality, reliability and innovation.

1.3.1 Core services.

(i)Construction of projects-the company undertakes various construction projects
including residential, commercial and technologies to deliver superior results.

(ii)Contracting and sub-contracting-the company provides contracting and

subcontracting services to clients, collaborating with architects, engineers and other
stakeholders to deliver turnkey solutions tailored to meet specific project requirements.

(iii)Consultation and Design-we offered consultation and design services, assisting

clients in planning and executing construction projects efficiently and cost-effectively.

1.3.2 Values and Commitments

They include;

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(i)Quality assurance-it is committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality in all
its products and services, ensuring durability and customers satisfaction.

(ii)Safety and Compliance-it prioritizes the safety of its employees, subcontractors and
stakeholders, adhering to strict and safety protocols and regulatory requirements to create a
secure work environment.

(ii)Customer focus-it places a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction striving to

understand and exceed customer expectations through personalized service, timely delivery
and transparent communication.

1.4 Structure and organization of Nakuru County Region

The region is governed by a hierarchical structure that comprises various administrative units
and departments responsible for different aspects of governance, public services and
development initiatives.

County Government
Nakuru County is governed by the county Government which oversees the overall
administration policy making and service delivery within the county. The county Government
is headed by Governor, who is elected by the residents of Nakuru County and supported by
various executive and administrative departments.

Sub-Counties Administrative
Nakuru County is further divided into administrative sub-counties, each headed by a Sub-
County Administrator appointed by the County Government. These sub-counties serve as
decentralized units responsible for local governance, public service delivery, and community
development initiatives.

Departments and Divisions

Within each sub-county, there are various departments and divisions tasked with specific
responsibilities related to governance, service provision, and development. These
departments and divisions include but are not limited to:

1. Department of Public Works and Infrastructure

Responsible for planning, implementing, and maintaining public infrastructure projects,
including roads, bridges, water supply systems, and public buildings.

2. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Focuses on urban planning, land use management, and housing development initiatives
within Nakuru city and its environs.

3. Department of Environment and Natural Resources

Charged with overseeing environmental conservation efforts, sustainable resource
management, and compliance with environmental regulations. Collaboration with this

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department is to ensure adherence to environmental standards and mitigate environmental
impacts associated with construction activities.

Emphasis on the Department where Attachment was Conducted

In the context of my attachment, the department of primary focus would likely be the:

Department of Public Works and Infrastructure

This department plays a crucial role in coordinating construction projects, issuing permits,
and regulating construction activities to ensure compliance with relevant laws and standards.
As such, my attachment provided valuable insights into the operations and functions of this
department, as well as its interactions with private sector entities involved in the construction
industry.

1.5 Major activities and focus of the department

The following are the major activities and focus of the department:
(i) Department of Public Works and Infrastructure
The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure in Nakuru city plays a central role in
overseeing construction-related activities, infrastructure development projects, and public
works initiatives within the county. As a crucial component of the local government
structure, this department focuses on a range of activities aimed at enhancing the quality of
infrastructure, promoting sustainable development, and improving the overall well-being of
the community. Specifically, the major activities and focus areas of the department include:
1. Infrastructure Planning and Development
- Conducting comprehensive infrastructure assessments to identify priority areas for
development.
- Formulating strategic plans and development blueprints to guide infrastructure projects
and investments.
- Collaborating with relevant stakeholders to design and implement infrastructure projects
aligned with community needs and development objectives.
2. Project Management and Implementation
- Managing the execution of construction projects, including road construction, bridge
construction, and public building construction, from inception to completion.
- Coordinating project timelines, budgets, and resources to ensure efficient project delivery
and compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Monitoring project progress, quality standards, and contractor performance to address any
issues or deviations promptly.
3. Permitting and Regulatory Compliance
- Reviewing and issuing permits and approvals for construction activities, land
development projects, and infrastructure upgrades.

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 - Enforcing building codes, zoning regulations, and other construction-related ordinances to
maintain safety, quality, and environmental sustainability standards.
- Conducting inspections and assessments to verify compliance with permit conditions and
address any non-compliance issues.
4. Maintenance and Rehabilitation
- Implementing maintenance and rehabilitation programs to preserve and enhance existing
infrastructure assets, including roads, bridges, drainage systems, and public facilities.
- Conducting routine inspections, repairs, and upgrades to address infrastructure
deterioration, mitigate hazards, and prolong the lifespan of infrastructure assets.
- Responding to emergency situations, such as natural disasters or infrastructure failures, by
mobilizing resources and implementing rapid response measures to restore essential services.
5. Community Engagement and Stakeholder Collaboration
- Engaging with local communities, civic organizations, and other stakeholders to solicit
input, gather feedback, and address concerns related to infrastructure development projects.
- Facilitating public participation processes, community meetings, and outreach activities to
promote transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in decision-making.
- Building partnerships with private sector entities, non-profit organizations, and
government agencies to leverage resources, expertise, and innovative solutions for
infrastructure development and service delivery.

2 EXPERIENCES.
2.1 Duties and Responsibilities.
✓ Setting out of building structures

✓ Substructure and superstructure constructions works

✓ Carpentry works (formworks for footings, columns, foundation beam, lintel beam; scaffoldings,
ladders).

✓ Concreting operations works (mixing, transporting, placing, compacting, curing)

✓ Steel works (rebars cutting, bending and fixing)

✓ Drawing interpretations

✓ Safety and rules at construction site

✓ Labor management

2.2 Skills gained on each duty.

setting out in accordance to the drawing layouts and with exceptional details.

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 we interpreted the drawings into real practice, locate and setting out dimensionally. I
understood how to use the tools required during setting out like L-shaped steel right angle,
hammer, pegs, construction line, plumbing bob, water level, profile boards.
steel reinforcement works
Cutting, bending, reinforcement bindings dimensionally, I always participated in order to
conform design specification as indicated by drawings

Carpentry works
Measuring, cutting, and joinery of wooden timber with the aim of making formwork that
conform the dimension of structure as per specifications and drawings. I also participated to
construct safe scaffoldings and ladders to help labors effectively.

Masonry works
I learned the principles of stone masonry works like laying of stones in position and proper
filling of joints with mortar.

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concreting operations
Materials measurements for mixing, placing plastic concrete into formwork and compacting,
placing rebars. All of them I learnt from them.

2.3 Environmental aspects of the training

Actually, this industrial training period was planned in a good and favorable season of summer where
there is no rain or storms and other disturbance at the site. It is proper to manage all construction
works and site management during the summer. Hence, the time of completion is really achievable.
From this, I learnt to manage and predict the good way of working according to the environment in
which site is located.

2.3.1 Benefit/cost analysis of the training

I have benefited a lot during the industrial attachment. As a matter of the fact, the practical
works made me understand more of the theory that I gained from class lectures. The courses
like basic construction technology, concrete technology, structural analysis, Soil Mechanics,
CAD and Surveying were only known theoretically but not practically. I knew interpretation
of drawings, setting out, reinforcement works, carpentry works, stone masonry work,
concreting operations, construction management. Even the students are financially unstable
and struggling with the life, the persistence, patience, self-esteem, self-reliance, motivations,
confidence helped me to adapt the summer IA towards the objectives and the desired
practical skills. I struggled find what to eat, drinking, house rent but I survived. So, I am able
to adapt in any environment in all situations.

2.4 Relationship with other staff

During my attachment, I developed a strong professional relationship with the other staff
members. The team was supportive and collaborative, providing guidance and sharing their
expertise, which greatly enhanced my learning experience. I was welcomed into a culture of
teamwork and mutual respect, which facilitated effective communication and problem-
solving on various construction projects. This positive interaction not only helped me gain
practical skills but also fostered a sense of camaraderie and belonging within the company.

2.5 Experiences I Enjoyed Most During My Attachment at Nakuru

County Public Works.
1. Hands-On Learning
-I had the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting, which deepened
my understanding of construction techniques and materials. The experience of mixing
concrete, setting forms, and pouring foundations was invaluable and enhanced my technical
skills.

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2. Collaborative Environment
-Working with a diverse team of experienced engineers, architects, and construction
workers provided a rich learning environment. The collaboration fostered a sense of
community and allowed me to gain insights from seasoned professionals, improving my
problem-solving and teamwork abilities.
3. Project Management Exposure
- Observing and participating in the project management process was enlightening. I
learned about scheduling, resource allocation, and quality control, which are crucial aspects
of ensuring project success. This exposure gave me a clearer picture of the complexities
involved in managing large construction projects.
4. Safety Practices
- The emphasis on safety was impressive. I appreciated the rigorous safety protocols and
training sessions, which highlighted the importance of maintaining a safe working
environment. This instilled in me a strong sense of responsibility towards workplace safety.

5. Innovation and Technology

- Witnessing the integration of modern technology in construction, such as the use of
advanced machinery and software for design and project management, was fascinating. This
experience underscored the importance of staying updated with technological advancements
in the industry.

6. Community Impact
-Seeing how our projects positively affected the local community was deeply rewarding.
Constructing buildings that serve educational, residential, or commercial purposes reinforced
the significance of our work in contributing to community development and growth.

2.6 Things I Enjoyed Least and Why

During my attachment, there were a few aspects that I found less enjoyable:

1. Repetitive Tasks
The nature of some tasks, such as mixing concrete or handling materials, was highly
repetitive. This monotony sometimes made it difficult to stay engaged and motivated
throughout the day.
2. Long Working Hours
The extended working hours, especially during peak construction periods, were quite
demanding. The physical and mental fatigue from these long hours often impacted my ability
to maintain a high level of productivity and focus.
3. Harsh Weather Conditions

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 Working outdoors in the harsh weather conditions of Narok, including extreme heat or
unexpected rain, was challenging. This made certain tasks uncomfortable and sometimes
hindered efficient work.
4. Limited Hands-on Experience with Advanced Technology
I had hoped to gain more hands-on experience with advanced construction technologies and
machinery. However, much of the work involved traditional methods, which limited my
exposure to newer, more innovative practices in the industry.
5. Communication Barriers
Occasionally, there were communication barriers between team members due to language
differences or varying levels of technical knowledge. This sometimes led to misunderstandings and
inefficiencies in task execution.

2.7 Problems Experienced and How They Were Handled

1. Delay in Material Delivery
- There were frequent delays in the delivery of construction materials, which affected the
project timelines.
Handling
- Coordinated with the procurement team to establish a more reliable supply chain.
- Implemented a buffer stock strategy to ensure materials were available when needed.
- Communicated regularly with suppliers to get real-time updates on delivery schedules.
2. Equipment Malfunction
- Critical construction equipment, such as mixers and concrete pumps, often malfunctioned,
causing project delays.
Handling
- Conducted routine maintenance checks to prevent breakdowns.
- Established a quick-response team to address equipment issues promptly.
- Arranged for backup equipment to be available on-site to minimize downtime.
3. Labor Shortages

- There were instances of labor shortages due to absenteeism or high turnover rates among
workers.
Handling

- Implemented a recruitment drive to hire additional workers.

- Improved working conditions and incentives to retain existing employees.
- Scheduled flexible work shifts to ensure continuous progress on the project.
4. Safety Concerns

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 - There were safety concerns on the construction site, including the lack of personal
protective equipment (PPE) and inadequate safety protocols.
Handling
- Conducted safety training sessions for all workers.
- Ensured that PPE was available and mandated its use on-site.
- Established strict safety protocols and regular safety audits to maintain a safe working
environment.

2.8 Major Benefits Derived from the Field Attachment Program

1. Hands-on Experience- The attachment provided practical experience in concrete
production, quality control, and construction techniques, bridging the gap between theoretical
knowledge and real-world application.
2. Skill Development- Exposure to various construction equipment and tools enhanced
technical skills and familiarity with industry-standard practices.
3.Professional Networking-Interaction with industry professionals and colleagues facilitated
the building of a professional network, potentially opening up future career opportunities.
4. Problem-Solving Skills- Engaging in real-world projects and overcoming on-site
challenges improved critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
5. Understanding of Industry Standards-Gaining insights into industry regulations, safety
standards, and quality assurance processes reinforced the importance of compliance and best
practices.
6. Project Management Experience-Participation in project planning, scheduling, and
execution provided a deeper understanding of project management and coordination.
7. Career Insight- Observing day-to-day operations and the dynamics of the construction
industry offered a clearer perspective on career paths and areas of interest within the field.

3 CONCLUSIONS
The summer Industrial attachment conducted in period of twelve weeks played great role in
my undergraduate program. It was period of opportunities to apply class theoretical
knowledge into real practice skills.
I participated in multitask works at construction site that helped me get experiences in
building construction like CAD drawings and interpretation into real practice; building
setting out on site; steel related activities include cutting, bending, binding of reinforcements;
carpentry works at site include formworks for structural members, scaffoldings, ladders;
masonry works; concreting operations, plastering, pointing, backfilling and compaction.
Being on construction site highly contributed my level of sociability like communication
skills, team work skills, time management, motivation skills, labor management skills,
personal work ethics, consultative skills, to meet with date line, task scheduling skills and
analytical skills.

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Participating with the consultants and supervisors helped me to produce valuable and
qualitative work to meet client requirements. Skills obtained in attachment will help me in the
career of building construction fields.

4 RECOMMENDATIONS
RECOMMENDATION TO NAKURU COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS
Being at the core of a vastly growing rift valley province, it plays a big role and contributing
to the development of the construction and achieving the goals of their mission. Here are
some recommendations I want to suggest to the county corporation for future trainings
• The company should provide the protective equipment to her workers.
• The project managers want the supervisors to focus on their task instead of training interns,
so in the future training internees should be considered in order to improve their skills.
• The company should provide many qualified supervisors in order to give more time to
internees.
• Motivation should be given to trainees, if motivated, they can do more things of great
importance to the organization.
RECOMMENDATION TO DeKUT
• To promote the quality of training and amount of time spent, I recommend that The DeKUT
authorities and administration may start making partnerships with companies.
• Most student have struggled in getting organizations’ which will host them in period of
industrial attachment that is why DeKUT should assist the students in the application for
industrial attachments.

5 REFERENCES
• International Federation of Consulting Engineers. (2017). Risk management in civil
engineering projects. International Federation of Consulting Engineers.
https://www.fidic.org/sites/default/files/2017-risk-management.pdf
• Smith, J., & Brown, L. (2019). Innovations in sustainable building design. National
Institute of Building Sciences. https://www.nibs.org/reports/2019_innovations.pdf
• American Society of Civil Engineers. (2020). 2020 report card for America's
infrastructure. American Society of Civil Engineers.
https://www.infrastructurereportcard.org/

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