All across the economy people in different industries are asking what it’s going to take to manage - and even survive - the Covid 19 pandemic. The construction sector has also been badly affected by the pandemic and is asking the same questions. With vaccines not yet available and a ‘second wave’ causing much anxiety in Europe, the road ahead may still be bumpy.
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, a 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.
The construction sector has to be proactive about health and safety
With the return to work of the construction sector, the South African government has issued additional health and safety requirements under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). Many Quantity Surveyors, contractors, and other stakeholders in the built environment are left grappling to determine the way forward on active construction projects as well as tenders for new 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.
While health and safety have always been a part of Quantity Surveyors’ cost reporting, it is now necessary to look at this part of tender documents with much greater scrutiny. Many stakeholders in the built environment, however, are still confused about who needs to enforce the regulations on-site, how the new health and safety specifications should be added to original tender documents, how to determine the cost of implementing the new directives, as well as who is responsible for these costs.
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.
Using printing services to help the construction sector deal with Covid 19
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.
We all have a part to play in stopping the spread of Covid 19. If you are in the construction industry, as in many others, your business may depend on it. Minuteman Press, located in Secunda, feels a responsibility to help. We also see a fit for our print services to educate people and keep them safe from Covid 19. Contact us today to explore the different health and safety products we have available.
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