The recent National Construction Summit on Crime-Free Construction Sites has highlighted the urgent need to address the growing problem of crime within the South African construction industry.
Organized by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), South African Police Service (SAPS), and the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), the summit brought together industry stakeholders to discuss strategies to combat crime and ensure the smooth execution of construction projects.
“The intimidation, violence, disruption, and delays caused by criminal activities within the construction industry are a major obstacle to national development,” said Chalmers Pagiwa, CEO of Lubisi Consulting Engineers.
The summit underscored the importance of regulatory reform, improved compliance, and transparency in the construction sector. By strengthening these areas, industry stakeholders aim to create a safer and more conducive environment for construction projects.
As the country continues to invest in infrastructure development, addressing the issue of crime is essential to ensuring the successful completion of projects and realizing the economic benefits associated with them.