Page 12 - Designing Ways 237

TRADE
WINDS

After a Turbulent 2020, the construction
sector is eager to make 2021

a prosperous year

he negative effects of the That said, the annual shutdown in the
COVID-19 pandemic and Western Cape region is governed by the
Tsubsequent hard national Building Industries Bargaining Council
lockdown cannot be overstated when it (BIBC). The Council have confirmed the
comes to the construction industry. The annual shutdown in the Cape Peninsula,
economic shock brought on by the two- as starting on Friday afternoon 11th
month work suspension has caused great December 2020 and ending on Monday
hardship for all operating in and around morning 11th January 2021. The Council,
the sector. After a turbulent 2020, the having due regard for the amount of time
construction sector is eager to make 2021 lost during the year and the economic
a much more prosperous year. hardship that this has caused, have
This is according to Allen Bodill, provided for an exemption process to be
Executive Director at the Master Builders followed by those local employers who
and Allied Trades Association Western wish to work later than the 11th December
Cape (MBAWC), who is encouraged that, and start up before 11th January. A number
while the country remains on Level 1 of of local contractors have already applied of prospective investors and developers.
the Government’s Risk-Adjusted Strategy, for permission to be exempted from the We are currently engaging with SAFCEC,
it is now operational again, albeit in a stated shutdown, following consultations Business Against Crime Western Cape,
limited capacity. “The recent Economic with their respective workforce and any law enforcement and other industry
Reconstruction and Recovery Plan applicable Trade Unions which may stakeholders, to ensure we stamp out this
(ERRP) and supplementary Medium- be represented amongst their workers. illegal practice”, says Bodill.
Term Budget Policy Statement (MTMPS) Council has granted all of these exemption As MBAWC we believe that there are
expanded on the Government’s medium applications received to date. exciting opportunities to be unlocked
to long term plans for the economy. These Compliance with health and safety through more public-private partnerships
timely strategic policy statements have protocols remains a priority for MBAWC (PPPs), he adds, “Such PPPs will initially
helped to address some of the uncertainty even as the industry continues to navigate have positive financial short and long-
in the market”. the ‘new normal’. Of utmost importance, term spinoffs at the local level and will
“Government’s prioritization of our especially in the light of COVID-19, ultimately flow through to the national
industry, given the labour-intensive is familiarity and compliance with the macroeconomy. In 2021, we are
nature of the Construction Industry and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) committed to exploring further business
its ability to reinvigorate the economy, Act. opportunities of this nature”.
is further reassurance this year-end,” Bodill points out that MBAWC is well- Bodill says that the sector embraces the
adds Bodill. “We note and welcome the resourced in this area, with its in-house green economy. Our industry continually
Government’s renewed commitment to OHS department. “We are re-assured by strives for new and innovative, industry-
regulatory reforms and its efforts to ease the recent reports of successful clinical specific solutions to the challenges of
and reduce the cost of doing business”. trials for various vaccines and hope these climate change. “It is our priority to reduce
This December will be unlike any can be finalised and distributed, both our waste and, more importantly, our
in recent memory for the industry, as equitably and timeously, throughout carbon footprint. Initiatives such as waste
Contractors try and make up for the lost the globe”. The Association notes with picker integrations and the revitalization
time during the period of lockdown, he concern, the resurgence of infection of buy-back centres are exciting prospects
continues. “Conventionally in South rates in our region in the recent days and that we hope to see gain traction”.
Africa, the building industry has closed implores all of its members to continue “Many of our plans for the year 2020 were
for business from mid-December and to scrupulously follow the COVID safety completely upended by the COVID-19
reopened in early January, as part of the protocols. pandemic, yet we remain resilient as we
‘builders’ holiday’. This year, the Rapid The MBAWC will continue to raise head into 2021. We thank our members
Response Task Team has recommended awareness about the illegal occupation and fellow industry stakeholders alike
that the builders’ holiday extend for only of construction sites and the soliciting of for the unity and collective responsibility
five business days, 24th December 2020 protection money from contractors. “This they have shown throughout. Let us
until 5th January 2021. The shortened criminality poses a serious threat to the embrace the challenges that may lie ahead
break is intended to ensure that people safety and well-being of all site-based staff and strive for a prosperous 2021”, Bodill
can earn a livelihood”. and greatly undermines the confidence concludes. dw

12 Issue 237 • dw