In the Taskforce Infra, Rijkswaterstaat and industry associations collaborate on innovation and improvement in the sector. To be better equipped together for the enormous challenge. Chairpersons Roger Mol (Rijkswaterstaat) and Remco Hoeboer (Mobilis): ‘We work result-oriented and transparently.’
The Taskforce Infra (TFI) was established in 2020 in response to the coronavirus crisis. Rijkswaterstaat and industry associations appointed representatives to ensure that sufficient work could continue safely despite the restrictive measures. They successfully carried out this task, and soon more questions arose for the TFI to improve cooperation in the sector.
The success of the TFI lies in the fact that market parties and Rijkswaterstaat, as contractors and client, stand not opposite but alongside each other.
Result-oriented and transparent
The focus is on the joint end goal: a safe, livable, and accessible Netherlands. ‘It is important to work from a shared vision and to stick to it. We work result-oriented. We make concrete what is needed to achieve the goal and ensure that we do so,’ clarifies TFI chairman Roger Mol, who as Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) is responsible for Rijkswaterstaats procurement policy.
‘We apply the glass house principle: publishing everything transparently so the market knows what is happening. For example, on our new website Taskforce Infra .
Involving the entire sector
‘It is also important that the market is broadly represented in the TFI and the associated working groups,’ adds Mobilis director Remco Hoeboer. Together with Mol, he chairs the Taskforce Infra and is the primary contact from the market.
‘The working groups include people representing industry associations for builders, both dry and wet, SMEs, technology, and engineering firms. This way, all market parties feel involved and can strengthen each other. We also ensure a balanced distribution between Rijkswaterstaat and the market in all working groups.’
Increasing production
The challenge for the sector is enormous. Starting with the renewal task of a large number of tunnels, bridges, and locks. Additionally, transitions in energy, water management, and defense. Working smarter and more efficiently to handle higher production is essential.
Hoeboer: ‘It is good that we have a lot of work due to this challenge, despite the nitrogen crisis. But the shift from construction to maintenance really requires a different way of working. Many problems only arise when you actually start working outside and open everything up. Such surprises cannot be prepared for at the drawing table. This requires smarter and different cooperation.’
Read more about the work of Taskforce Infra?
Then read the full article in the latest magazine Rijkswaterstaat Business & Innovation .
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