Construction World August 2019

COMMENT

In his 2019 State of the Nation address, President Cyril Ramaphosa committed R100-billion to seed an Infrastructure Fund in an attempt to arrest the demise of the construction industry, which he recognised as having been ‘in the doldrums’ for quite some time. This comes after a long and steady decline that is now threatening the very existence of the local construction industry as we know it.

Master Builders South Africa will be hosting what is called the ‘September Congress’ – a gathering involving construction professionals, contractors, community business forums, the police and various government departments to develop a plan to deal with the severe challenges the sector is facing. The event will be addressed by Ramaphosa, indicative of how seriously the problems in the construction industry are now taken. The event has become necessary after the collapse of various companies (Group Five being the biggest casualty). In the first quarter of 2019 the industry shed some 142 000 jobs, the single biggest job loss figure in the South African industry. Roy Mnisi, the Executive Director of the Master Builders South Africa says that although he commends Ramaphosa

for the current efforts of engaging with the construction industry through the Department of Public Works and Treasury, progress in resolving matters have been “remarkably” slow. Late and non-payment of contractors, illegal work-stoppages on construction sites and the closing down of companies are still happening. This has led to continued and alarming job losses. For him the only way to rescue and revive the industry is through “continuous, genuine and pragmatic public-private dialogue”. That is also the theme of the event – ‘Building a sustainable, innovative and transformed construction industry’. How the value of the R100-billion impetus for infrastructure will be unlocked is something the congress will address – clear and firm industry resolutions have to be made for the Fund to be operationalised

immediately. A lot depends on this Fund – an entire industry’s future.

Wilhem du Plessis Editor

B E S T P R O J E C T S

2019 There is one month left to get your entries for the annual Best Projects Awards ready. Entries close on 6 September. Turn to page 14 for an overview of the categories and the requirements for entries. Entry is free. Enter today and be recognised by your peers.

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EDITOR & DEPUTY PUBLISHER Wilhelm du Plessis constr@crown.co.za ADVERTISING MANAGER Erna Oosthuizen ernao@crown.co.za LAYOUT & GRAPHIC ARTIST Katlego Montsho CIRCULATION Karen Smith

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CONSTRUCTION WORLD AUGUST 2019