The Covid-19 pandemic has proven tough to contain. Even the vaccines we have started to receive aren’t 100 percent effective, with new strains of the virus being detected across the globe. But if there is anything we have learned from this global health crisis, it is to take every positive we can find. The construction sector is certainly of the same mindset right now as the low infection rates provide an opportunity to make up for all the time lost to lockdowns 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.
More health and safety requirements placed on the construction sector
Asthe construction sector returned to work after the first lockdown last year, 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 were 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 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.
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 services will be key.
How printing services are used in the construction industry
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.
As a contractor, property developer, project manager, or quantity surveyor, you have a critical duty to make sure your project sites fully adhere to health and safety regulations to protect workers from Covid-19 infection.
The Minuteman Press printing company has all the social distancing signage and other printed materials you need to display Covid-19 safety messages. Contact us today to explore the printing services we have to offer at our Cape Town printing shop.
Get a Free Quote for Signs Get a Free Quote for Posters Get a Free Quote for Print