The Covid-19 pandemic has caused a lot of anxiety in the construction sector. The sector is facing problems with sourcing building materials due to disrupted supply chains, halted inspection timetables, social distancing and other new health and safety enacted to curb the continued spread of the virus, and site closures due to high infection numbers.
As we start the new year, Covid-19 remains a big problem in the industry. Recovery will depend on how well players can keep the virus out of project sites.
Last year, President Cyril Ramaphosa received a “firm commitment” amounting to billions of rands for the 55 bankable infrastructure projects. So, Covid notwithstanding, there should be enough work to stimulate a recovery in the sector.
Among the 55 projects that 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.
Improving Covid safety in the construction sector
To improve health and safety and ensure an adequate response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the South African government issued additional health and safety requirements under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). Stakeholders in the built environment initially struggled but eventually found a way to meet these new safety requirements on active construction projects.
The construction sector is one of South Africa’s major economic contributors, and it will be a sector that government prioritises due to the labour-intensive activities it offers. The new 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.
How to use printing services to fight Covid-19 in the construction sector
Printing is an essential business helping other critical industries cope with COVID-19. The construction industry is using printed materials for construction site signage, public safety Posters and Signs, special notices and letters to residents, and worker safety posters, signs, and guidelines.
Property developers, quantity surveyors, and contractors face many challenges as they navigate through the treacherous operating environment created by the Covid-19 pandemic. They need a reliable printing supplier to meet their needs for social distancing signage and Covid safety pro
As a property developer, builder, quantity surveyor, or project manager, you are responsible for ensuring that your project sites adhere to health and safety regulations so your staff is safe at all times. Minuteman Press, located in Edenvale, is the solution for all printing requirements associated with health and safety in your sector.
For more information on our printed products and services, contact our customer service team here.
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