MEP engineering in post-conflict reconstruction: Managing deviations, quality and schedule

Reconstruction and construction projects in post-conflict environments belong to a class of high-uncertainty projects: limited baseline documentation, hidden defects, damage to engineering systems, resource shortages, complex logistics, and rapidly changing site conditions. At the same time, the social importance of such facilities (residential areas, public buildings, infrastructure) requires accelerated timelines without compromising quality, safety, or long-term operational performance.

This paper systematizes a practice-oriented approach to managing reconstruction and construction projects with a focus on MEP engineering (HVAC/VRV, water supply, firefighting systems, power supply, automation). It examines methods for defining scopes of work under uncertainty, structuring teams and responsibility frameworks, managing deviations and changes, schedule compression mechanisms, and principles of quality control through inspections and testing.

It is demonstrated that a strong engineering decision-making framework and disciplined verification of MEP systems enable accelerated project delivery without transferring critical defects into the operational phase.