49 / 64
QUARRYING
Weighing in with some much needed
positive input on current economic
challenges, executive director of the
Concrete Manufacturers Association NPC
(CMA), Frans Minnaar, says that the construction
industry can weather the storm by ensuring
faster and more efficient methods are employed
to construct much needed infrastructure, roads
and houses.
He explains, “Bearing in mind that Govern-
ment has to deliver on a fair amount of promised
development projects to soothe the expectations
of their support, it is not unreasonable to believe
that many of these projects will have to be
completed soon irrespective of economic data.
On the upside
With the expectation of tighter budgets and
shorter delivery times that will be required to
ease Government’s mounting delivery pressures,
the answer to sustainable construction will lie
in the use of more efficient techniques. While
traditional building product suppliers may be in
for a tough time, Minnaar believes that precast
concrete product suppliers will fare better as
their products will provide ‘under-pressure’
contractors with faster and more efficient means
of construction.
“In order to effectively complete projects,
Government and private sector investors will
have to look at more efficient ways of construc-
tion in future, with the use of high quality prod-
ucts that will speed up installation and provide
shorter project durations. Contractors too will
have to operate more smartly and do careful
calculations regarding materials, transport,
installation and labour costs, in order to be more
efficient and competitive.”
Smarter methods
“Rebuilds currently cost Government millions
of rands per annum and with a move to quality
precast concrete products (manufactured by
CMA member producers) an opportunity exists
to eliminate this problem and save additional
Rands in years to come”.
47
CONSTRUCTION WORLD
MARCH
2016
PRODUCTS WILL EASE ECONOMIC CHALLENGES
As emerging market currencies take a pounding on world markets
and the rand tests new lows against the USD, it is prudent for
the local construction industry to seek more efficient ways of
developing much needed infrastructure and housing.
>
“Simultaneously the use of precast concrete
products will ensure stability in the work place
with the provision of long term job security
in factories. It is also well known that the use
of precast concrete products are also creating
short term jobs for local communities during
the installation and placing of these products
and it therefore serves a dual purpose as far as
job creation is concerned”.
“By simply changing the way we design and
specify materials for building projects we have
the potential to deliver more for less. While
economic realities no-doubt has an impact
on the delivery of infrastructure and housing,
a shift to precast concrete has the opportunity
to save end-users time and money to ensure
development continues at an acceptable pace,”
Executive director of the Concrete Manufac-
turers Association NPC (CMA), Frans Minnaar.