Government to host Construction Summit

Concerns about security and other criminal activities on construction sites, the so-called construction mafia, as well as the promotion of practical solutions to build crime-free environments in the construction industry, will be under the spotlight at the Crime-Free Construction Summit. Construction Sites next week.

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), in collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Construction Industry Development Board (cidb), will host the summit at the Durban International Convention Center in KwaZulu-Natal.

Minister for Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson has expressed his strong commitment to tackling crime on construction sites across the country.

“This is in fulfillment of a promise I made shortly after taking office to host a summit to deal with construction disruptions across the country.

“Construction sites should be places where workers not only build structures, but also where a sense of security, respect and trust occurs. Unfortunately, crime remains a persistent problem in the industry, undermining productivity, increasing costs and putting lives at risk,” Macpherson said.

The Minister committed to working with industry stakeholders to find solutions for safer working environments and underlined the government’s commitment to eliminating crime and ensuring workers return home safely every day.

SAPS will also play a key role in stakeholder engagement, as law enforcement plays a critical role in maintaining security. Accordingly, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu is expected to speak at the summit to strengthen the role of the police in fighting crime in the sector.

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana is also expected to speak at the summit on Tuesday. Other speakers will include the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal and the Mayor of eThekwini.

As a key partner in ensuring the professionalism and development of the construction industry, cidb is equally committed to creating an enabling environment for the effective provision of infrastructure.

Cidb CEO Bongani Dladla emphasized the importance of industry-wide collaboration in improving safety and efficiency in construction.

“We look forward to playing an active role at this summit as we strongly believe that the construction industry is vital to our country’s growth and that the fight against crime is vital to protect both the assets and lives of those who build our future. Dladla said: “We look forward to playing an active role in setting new safety standards and making construction sites safer.” “DPWI is committed to supporting initiatives such as the National Construction Summit to collaborate with law enforcement and industry partners to make construction safer and more efficient.”

The summit will feature a series of expert-led discussions on legislation and policy, safety and law enforcement, community engagement, empowerment, skills development and other strategic issues to equip stakeholders with the tools necessary to combat crime on construction sites.

It will also provide the opportunity to network and form partnerships aimed at improving site safety and increasing employee safety. – SAnews.gov.za