The role and effect of technical review panels

The technical review of civil engineering projects by independent experts has been performed in South Africa on an ad hoc basis for many years. The scope of an independent review was generally limited to particular elements of the project in which the implementing authority (or the designer) considered that a review would be advisable. Later, with funding agencies such as the Development Bank of Southern Africa becoming involved in the financing of infrastructure development, such as roads or water supply projects, individuals were routinely appointed to act as independent reviewers of the main technical aspects, during both the design and construction phases. It would be natural that, as the size, complexity, and cost of projects have increased, the practice would have become more widespread, but in recent years it is only for large bulk water storage and delivery projects that independent technical review panels have been mobilised. This paper discusses the history and current practice of independent technical review in South Africa, the structure of the panels, extent of their involvement in projects, their relationship with project teams, and finally their perceived effect and benefit to the project. In the view of client bodies, the benefits that have accrued from the use of technical review panels have justified their cost.