On the cover: As was the case in the past when the country undertook various major infrastructure projects (such as the Gariep Dam on the cover), infrastructure development will be a way to get South Africa’s economy out of the depressed state in which it is. 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 form what is known as the Construction Alliance South Africa (CASA). Infrastructure development can only be achieved through innovation, being competitive and with a truly transformed industry.
Infrastructure recovery hinges on urgent action, innovation
Hopes of a recovery in South Africa’s economic fortunes rely heavily on more infrastructure spending, but the COVID-19 pandemic is further complicating this difficult task; speed and ingenuity are now of the essence, according to SRK Consulting Partner and Principal Engineering Technologist Steve Bartels.
“Government’s establishment of Infrastructure South Africa to streamline project roll-out, and the recent prioritisation of strategic integrated projects, is a promising step,” said Bartels. “But all this work needs a strong and capable construction sector – and years of decline are now being aggravated by the local impact of the pandemic.”
Read the full article in Construction World
