CESA Aon 2019

MESSAGE FROM CESA’S CEO

The importance of correct procurement “Execution of projects becomes

is respected worldwide.“As an industry we are optimistic about contributing to the infrastructure that is required in the country. This is not a profession that can be taken lightly as infrastructure always concerns the health and safety of the public.” The status quo remains Campbell explains that even though there is no difference in economic activity between 2018 and 2019, the difference is that there now is increased hope of a better future. “The issues that have affected infrastructure delivery leakage corruption and discourage people from pursuing such activities. In addition, tax collection that will feed the fiscus is no better than it was last year which means there will be budget constraints in terms of infrastructure spend.” He says the challenges for consulting engineering are the same. “The industry is still facing poor procurement decisions, money originally destined for infrastructure is being siphoned off while there is a vacuum of leadership at the major state owned entities. Many leadership positions are acting positions. We need to get to a point where we have a future-thinking leaders to turn these organisations around, enabling them to deliver on their mandates and use the services of reputable consulting engineers.” are not going to change overnight. “It is a massive task to root out

problematic when the procurement is defective,” says Campbell. In local government, final decisions about tenders are not made by technical people, but driven by procurement practitioners. The latter assume that ‘cost’ is their only responsibility: they also have to also ensure that the bidding companies are indeed in the business of consulting engineering and not tenderpreneurs. “If this does not happen, there is no value for money and the business of consulting engineering is eroded.” According to Campbell, the problem is twofold. “Even when you have legitimate companies bidding, the scope is often poorly defined. In addition, the less expensive service provider is not going to provide clients with the end product that is needed and clients may end up with a product that is an operations and maintenance nightmare”. Part of the discussion Campbell says there is a need to collaborate with key stakeholders in both the private and public sectors to undertake the roles they are meant to play in delivering infrastructure. “For a few years now we have embarked on a campaign of partnerships with Government in order to assist and advise the public sector how to maximise investment in infrastructure,” he explains.

“N ow more than ever,” says Campbell, “we require ex- cellence from engineering practitioners as we have an increased number of users that rely on functional infrastructure. This requires greater emphasis on innovation, quality, outstanding workmanship, and pro- fessionalism in delivering sustainable solutions. We need the infrastructure to provide the functionality that societies and communities depend on.” As an industry association CESA recognises companies that put their best feet forward and produce quality service delivery, despite challenging conditions. “Recognition is significant as our procurement regime now gravitates towards appointing a ‘least cost service provider’, many of whom are not members of CESA. We need to recognise the value of what quality is all about.” Campbell says South African engineering expertise

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CESA AON ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2019