Covid-19: Construction sector welcomes easing of lockdown

The construction industry welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement of the country moving to level three from June 1.

Also read: Level 3: Agriculture, manufacturing, electricity/gas and construction regulations announced

The sector has been calling for an immediate re-activation of live construction sites that were at various stages of completion when the lockdown came into effect in March.

Chairperson of the Construction Covid-19 Rapid Response Task Team (CC19RRTT), John Matthews, said that the easing of lockdown meant that a lot of construction companies on the verge of collapse could be saved.

“We are optimistic that allowing the construction sector to resume full operations will salvage what is left of the sector.

“We are pleased that the government gave consideration to the concerns we raised and agreed to a full re-activation of the sector under level three.

Also read: This is what awaits trade and communications in Level 3

“Continued restraint on construction activity was leading us towards a situation where there was little hope of recovery for a lot of companies in the industry,” said Matthews.

On measures to contain the spread of coronavirus on construction sites, he added that there was a need for companies to adhere to the strict health and safety protocols that were already in place, for the protection of employees.

“It is not up to the government to try and monitor every office and construction site, but each and every employer has a responsibility to ensure that the health and safety of employees is guaranteed.

“The industry has health and safety protocols already in place and any employer in the sector who needs assistance should contact their association for guidance and support,” said Matthews.

Also read: Level 3: Mining scales up towards 100% employment

As one of the major economic contributors to the economy, and because of construction work being largely labour intensive, the industry has been touted as one of the sectors that the government should prioritise to increase work opportunities and revive the South African economy.

The CC19RRTT is an industry grouping that was convened to charter a recovery plan for the construction sector.

It incorporates the entire construction value chain covering suppliers, manufacturers, property developers, built environment professionals and contractors (main contractors and subcontractors), including the Master Builders South Africa (MBSA), the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS), the Western Cape Property Development Forum (WCPDF) and the South African Institute of Architects (SAIA) among others.

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