Construction World February 2021

COMMENT

The South African construction industry goes into 2021 with the news that 29 of the country’s contractor, professional, supplier (and other) bodies have united to formwhat is known as the Construction Alliance South Africa (CASA).

T he origins of CASA can be traced back to the Construction COVID-19 Rapid Response Task Team that was established in the dark days of the hard lockdown – April 2020. John Matthews played a leading role with this initiative and it therefore comes as no surprise that he has been appointed as chairperson of CASA. This task team provided a collective construction industry response to the pandemic’s restrictions on construction activities. It was instrumental in developing a coordinated industry response and also the safe reactivation of construction sites as the lockdown restrictions were eased. Importantly, the vital role it played in presenting just how the industry can form part of a national recovery plan post- pandemic led to the realisation that now, more than ever, the industry needs such an alliance that has as its main aim the

rebuilding of the construction sector. Why CASA in essential The task team that was established in April 2020 recognised the value of a collaborative and coordinated effort that included consultation and engagement with stakeholders to achieve the end goal: a sustainable construction industry. The Alliance that was recently formed aims to continue this with the aim of uniting the industry and facilitating smooth dialogue with government so as to unlock the vast potential the construction industry has to resurrect the country’s economy. This, says Matthews, can only be achieved through innovation, being competitive and with a truly transformed industry. 20 years of Best Projects Construction World’s Best Projects is 20

years old this year. The competition will call for entries in April with the process culminating in an awards event in November. We aim to mark this occasion with the ultimate in excellence. Civil engineers, building contractors, specialist suppliers and contractors, consulting engineers and architects are invited to enter projects which will make this 20 th instalment of Best Projects one to be remembered.

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CONSTRUCTION WORLD FEBRUARY 2021