What's Happening in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape…

Players in the construction sector are hoping the current low rate of new Covid-19 infections will continue. Another lockdown will be devastating for an industry that suffered greatly from the previous lockdowns. Many are only beginning to get back on their feet, as supply chains unclog and raw material availability improves after the pandemic alert was dropped down to level 1. 

With the expected recovery comes a responsibility to continually educate workers on the Covid-19 risks. That entails putting up health and safety signage that remind workers and encourage them to wear masks and observe social distancing. As a printing company, Minuteman Press is prepared to support this effort.

Last year, President Cyril Ramaphosa received a “firm commitment” amounting to billions of rands for the 55 bankable infrastructure projects. Among the 55 projects that the government has earmarked for development is an aviation park near Upington, a smart city in Lanseria, an R3.1-billion Space Infrastructure Hub, a 516-hectare citrus farm in the Eastern Cape, and a water project that includes some 160km of pipe, and pump stations to get water to Eskom’s large power stations, Medupi and Matimba, among other projects.

Covid-safety critical for construction sector recovery in 2021

As the construction sector returned to work after lockdown, the South African government issued additional health and safety requirements under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). Quantity Surveyors, contractors, and other stakeholders in the built environment have a responsibility to ensure the additional regulations are adopted across the industry in both new and ongoing projects to protect the sector from the pandemic.

The construction sector is one of South Africa’s major economic contributors. It is a sector that government will continue to prioritise due to the labour-intensive activities it offers. The updated guidelines by the ASAQS will not only assist Quantity Surveyors, contractors, and employers on how to minimise the risks of COVID-19 transmission and illness to themselves and their employees on construction sites, but it will also provide the much-needed clarity on the guidelines, responsibilities, and expense accountability.

The government wants to ramp up job opportunities to soften the blow of the fiscal crisis that COVID-19 has brought about. With the new infrastructure rollout, Quantity Surveyors and other professionals in the built environment need to make sure they comply with the new directives so that construction activities can move ahead swiftly. Everyone will need to play their part in responding to the impact of the pandemic as well as the country’s economic recovery

Printing for the construction sector during the Covid-19 pandemic

Printing is an essential business serving critical industries during COVID-19. The construction industry can use Print for construction site signage, public safety Posters and Signs, special notices and letters to residents, and worker safety Posters, Signs, and guidelines. 

Property developers, construction owners, Quantity Surveyors, and contractors face many challenges as they navigate through mostly uncharted territory with their projects experiencing mounting risks from the effects of COVID-19.

If we were to be forced into another lockdown, it will be a long way back to recovery for the construction sector. All the more reason to protect the sector from a resurgence in infections. Minuteman Press is where you can get all the health and safety signage and Posters your construction company needs for social distancing markers and other printed materials you need for your Covid-safety campaigns. Contact us here for more information about our products and services.