DPWI roadshow supports NC contractors to ‘make the grade’ in construction

THE DEPUTY Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), Sihle Zikalala, speaking during a Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) national contractor development roadshow in Kimberley recently, acknowledged that local businesses were not benefiting from major government infrastructure projects.

This comes against the backdrop of mounting complaints from Kimberley and Northern Cape contractors and unemployed workers about being sidelined from lucrative government projects in their own backyard.

Zikalala said the National Contractor Development Programme was designed to respond to the needs of emerging contractors, as infrastructure delivery and maintenance were key to stimulating economic growth.

“Government accounts for at least 40 percent of overall infrastructure investment in South Africa. It is concerning that, despite government making huge investments in infrastructure, Africans and African women specifically remain underrepresented on the CIDB register of contractors.”

Zikalala noted that the majority of emerging contractors in South Africa remained trapped in the lower CIDB grades, with limited progression, poor access to funding, and weak post-programme support structures.

“The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure and the CIDB are thus actively supporting contractors through a focused approach to development underpinned by the National Contractor Development Framework (NCDF), to which contractor development programmes must be aligned.

“The National Contractor Development Framework is aimed at ensuring the sustainable development and progression of emerging contractors, with a particular emphasis on targeted groups, including women and youth.”

Zikalala added that R100 million from the CIDB BUILD programme would be allocated during the year ahead to provide funding for emerging enterprises.

“Emerging contractors will also be supported in terms of competence assessment and top-up training.”

He also urged all stakeholders to partner and collaborate in the fight against organised crime in the construction sector.

“Work stoppages, intimidation, violence, and extortion have no place in the critical South African construction industry. The DPWI is working with social partners to strengthen social facilitation, improve communication, manage community expectations, and boost investor confidence in the construction sector.”

Flagship projects to create jobs and growth

The Northern Cape MEC for Roads and Public Works, Fufe Makatong, said they had committed R6.1 billion to inclusive procurement, targeting black-owned, women-led, youth-driven, and disabled-owned enterprises.

“In this financial year alone, we are overseeing 26 major social infrastructure projects, valued at more than R2.1 billion, creating nearly 1,500 jobs.”

She stated that the Department of Education had 13 infrastructure projects in the pipeline, including Voorspoed Primary School in Upington and the new Kimberley English-medium Secondary School, which were in the planning stages.

“At Bankhara Bodulong Primary, an investment of R124 million will deliver 138 jobs. A total of 120 jobs will be created at Franciscus Intermediate School, where R150 million is being invested. A R149 million investment will be made at Carlton van Heerden Secondary, generating 150 jobs. These projects mean not only classrooms and sports courts, but also dignified learning environments and opportunities for contractors to grow.”

Makatong added that the Department of Health had nine projects under way, worth close to R1 billion.

“The flagship project is the Nursing College Phase 2, a R569 million investment, creating 65 jobs. Tshwaragano Hospital upgrades are valued at R54 million, supporting 90 jobs. In Schmidtsdrift, a new clinic worth R61 million is under construction.”

She indicated that the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture was rolling out four projects valued at R84 million, including the new library in Galeshewe valued at R42 million, which would create 42 jobs.

“Upgrades at the Mayibuye Community Centre are valued at R24 million.”

Makatong stated that flagship transport projects included the MR974 between Laxey and Heuningvlei, the resealing of roads between Barkly West and Windsorton, and between Philipstown and De Aar.

“Designs for new corridors such as Gasese–Washington and Dithakong to the North West border are in progress,” she added.