Construction News

By Roelof van den Berg, CEO of the Gap Infrastructure Corporation

It’s that time of year when students begin choosing their subjects and laying the foundation for their future studies and careers. With that in mind, there is an industry that many tend to overlook in the mistaken belief that all jobs within the sector are physically demanding with limited opportunities for career growth – construction.

The reality is that the construction landscape is evolving faster than ever as technological advancements, smart cities, and green building practices drive rapid changes, creating new staffing requirements. Digital tools such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), drones, and robotics are increasing efficiency and safety on job sites, reducing the physical toll on workers, but necessitating a much higher-skilled workforce.

In response, large-scale construction companies like the Gap Infrastructure Corporation (GIC) are developing novel roles to keep pace with these changes. These roles especially benefit those entering the field today, and include more specialised positions in project management, data analysis, and environmental sustainability – a shift reflecting the industry’s move to a more integrated and tech-driven approach.

However, despite these efforts, a substantial skills gap is forming as the employment market attempts to catch up. Additionally, while there is still demand for traditional construction skills, younger generations have been slower to enter the trade, often due to perceptions of construction as less glamorous or appealing than high-tech careers. Yet, this very gap presents a key opportunity to develop a viable career path, with companies offering competitive wages and benefits to attract new talent.

High-demand jobs in construction

For those looking to enter the field, several occupations particularly stand out. The 2024 National List of Occupations in High Demand, drafted by the Department of Higher Education and Training, cites construction project managers, civil engineers, explosives ordnance engineers, urban and regional planners, and draughtspeople as in-demand roles. These positions require a higher level of education, but also come with attractive compensation packages.

Furthermore, considering modern advancement across the industry, professions with a high degree of technical skills, such as data management managers, information technology managers, and remotely operated vehicle pilots, are also growing in importance, with new positions created regularly.

Industry veterans are constantly developing new approaches to respond to these technological advancements. GIC, for example, partners with tertiary training institutions such as LearnMe to upskill existing workers and cultivate the next generation of construction professionals, particularly in techniques that will be important for future construction projects.

Addressing the skills gap

Concerningly, the industry also has several critical high-demand positions with substantial vacancy rates, despite having sufficient available workers. These include bricklayers, plumbers, pipe fitters, welders, riggers, electricians, and crane or hoist operators. The need is not so much to train new workers, but to attract existing experienced and capable labourers back into the sector and improving hiring practices.

Demand for these occupations has sustained a slow rise in employment in the sector, but the potential for growth is much greater. As urban populations expand, cities are increasingly dealing with capacity challenges, elevated demand for core service infrastructure, and expectations for more modern designs utilising advanced building techniques and technology. These factors will make construction projects more complex, and soon culminate in a striking rise in demand for more experienced construction professionals.

GIC has also seen a considerable push from the state for infrastructure renewal, especially in aging cities and developing regions. Large-scale efforts to modernise and roll-out infrastructure in rural areas mean that construction is becoming more essential than ever, ensuring heightened demand and bright prospects for those joining the industry.

This said, the demand for construction services does fluctuate with the economy, influencing the number of projects that are greenlit and making it difficult to determine what the future will hold. But long-term trends fuelled by South Africa’s constant need for expansion, development, and new infrastructure, as well as the maintenance of existing buildings, roads, and service infrastructure, is expected to keep construction work in high demand.

Ultimately, while the industry faces challenges, its ongoing evolution presents numerous opportunities for growth and development – particularly for those willing to embrace new technologies and specialise in emerging roles.

Poised for growth in logistics sector

Urban Growth, a leader in large-scale supply chain logistics industrial properties, welcomes the recent interest rate cut by the South African Reserve Bank as a catalyst for sustained growth and development in the logistics sector. The 25-basis-point cut, announced on 19 September 2024, aligns with global economic trends following the Federal Reserve’s significant 50-basis-point reduction earlier this month. While the local cut was modest, it signals a potential turning point in South Africa’s economic trajectory with market speculation pointing to a further 50-basis-point cut in November should inflation continue to decline.

With consumer spending expected to rise as a result of the rate cuts, Urban Growth is positioned to harness these economic tailwinds. “The lowered borrowing costs provide an opportunity for businesses across South Africa to expand their logistics operations, especially in key regions like the Western Cape,” says Ross Gregory, Director at Urban Growth. “We anticipate a notable uptick in demand for industrial properties as businesses look to scale up their operations and capitalise on increased product flow.”

Urban Growth’s strategic investment fund, Bastion Real Estate Partnership, is set to benefit investors eager to seize opportunities in a shifting economic landscape. Gregory explains, “With the potential for further rate cuts on the horizon we are uniquely positioned to offer individuals the chance to own premium logistics properties while also contributing to the region’s healthy economy.”

Urban Growth remains committed to sustainable development, with ongoing investments in renewable energy, including solar power, across its logistics properties. As demand for logistics spaces grows the company continues to prioritise energy efficiency and environmentally conscious practices, making its properties highly attractive to tenants aiming to lower their operational costs and carbon footprint.

“Urban Growth is not merely reacting to these economic changes,we are strategically adapting. Our commitment to sustainable development remains steadfast, with ongoing investments in solar projects making our properties an off-grid option and even more attractive to tenants. With the Western Cape’s urbanisation trend continuing, we are set to capitalise on new acquisition opportunities and improve portfolio valuations,” said Colin Young, CEO of Urban Growth

“The convergence of economic growth, urbanisation trends, and sustainability initiatives creates a perfect storm of opportunity for Urban Growth and Bastion,” adds Gregory. “As more companies invest in expanding their supply chains and logistics capabilities, we are prepared to meet that demand with state-of-the-art, eco-friendly properties.”

The interest rate cuts will also improve Urban Growth’s ability to secure financing for future acquisitions, further expanding its portfolio in high-demand urban areas. Young notes, “We’re not just reacting to market changes. We are proactively positioning ourselves to take advantage of emerging trends and solidifying our position as key players in the logistics sector.”

For investors, the opportunity to enter the market through Bastion has never been more timely. Young concludes, “With a solid track record, lower interest costs, and continued investment in top-tier logistics properties, we expect significant capital growth and portfolio value improvement in the coming years.”

Urban Growth remains committed to supporting South Africa’s economic recovery by providing essential logistics infrastructure that drives business expansion and regional growth.

For media inquiries or more information about Urban Growth and Bastion, please mail info@urbangrowth.co.za or visit the website.

*9L, 6L, 2L and 1L are KITEMARK™ approved                             

SafeQuip, a leading distributor and manufacturer of fire safety solutions, launches the SANS 1910-2022 approved, Lith-Ex fire extinguisher range, which carries NTA 8133:2021 (KIWA/POOO55865) test approval, which proves its lithium-ion battery fire extinguishing capability.

Designed to address the burning issues surrounding lithium-ion battery fires, what sets these products apart is the integration of the revolutionary Aqueous Vermiculite Dispersion (AVD) technology.

In today’s tech-driven world, lithium-ion batteries power many devices, from mobile phones and power tools to electric bikes and more. However, these energy-dense batteries come with their own challenges, including the potential for catastrophic lithium-ion battery fires. 

These fires can ignite due to overcharging, overheating, short circuits, or external heat sources, posing a significant risk to both consumers and industries.

Traditional firefighting agents such as water, powder, and foam have proven ineffective against lithium-ion battery fires, often leading to re-ignition and escalated danger.

SafeQuip in partnership with AVD Lith-Ex, has harnessed the power of innovation and introduced AVD as a groundbreaking fire extinguishing agent to combat this pressing issue.

AVD is meticulously crafted from naturally occurring vermiculite and water to create a potent firefighting solution.

When deployed as a fine mist, AVD comprises minute water droplets containing vermiculite platelets. This mist swiftly suppresses the flames upon contact with the burning fuel’s surface. It cools the fuel source, effectively bringing the fire under control. As the water in AVD evaporates, the high aspect ratio vermiculite platelets overlap and bind together, forming a resilient barrier film that entirely extinguishes the fire and encapsulates the cells.

The multi-faceted AVD barrier film serves essential functions: it reduces thermal propagation, isolates the fuel source, and provides an oxygen barrier. Furthermore, AVD has undergone rigorous testing, including the demanding 35 kV dielectric test of EN3, establishing its credentials as an effective electrical insulator. It also completed UL certification and passed the KIWA Lithium test, proving  its lithium-ion battery fire extinguishing capabilities.

High-performance Lith-Ex fire extinguishers, designed to target high-risk, limited-size fires, are available in various sizes to suit specific needs. These extinguishers are ideal for suppressing fires in their early stages, preventing potentially catastrophic outcomes.

SafeQuip and AVD Lith-Ex remain dedicated to elevating fire safety standards in South Africa and worldwide, ensuring the effective mitigation of lithium-ion battery fire risks.

For more information about SafeQuip and the Lith-Ex range of fire extinguishers, visit the website : www.safequip.co.za and join the conversations on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Our new long-hole production drill rig for small to medium-sized drifts, Simba SM60 S, is built to out-perform. With a new carousel design and cutting-edge automation features, this rig ensures optimal performance without compromising on safety.

As part of Epiroc’s Smart series, the new Simba SM60 S production drill rig is equipped with a wide range of automation options that increase operator safety, drilling quality, and productivity. Automation software such as Feed Speed Control Impact (FSCI), used to control the rock drill, and automatic positioning to hole toe, ensures correct utilization of the machine and improves drilling performance.

“Epiroc’s advanced technology enhances our customers’ operations by boosting productivity, and more importantly, by improving safety standards”, says Rickard Johansson, Vice President Marketing at Epiroc’s Underground division. “We are proud to be at the forefront of accelerating the transformation to safer mining practices.”

The updated electrical control system and the automation software features can significantly contribute to safe productivity by removing the operator from hazardous areas.

Increased performance and drilling time

The newly developed RHS 17 single-layer carousel ensures seamless rod handling. With the gripper arms placed inside the carousel, it can easily and quickly move the rods between the carousel and the drill center, significantly improving operation productivity and drilling performance.

“With the gripper arms placed inside the carousel, each rod handling can save more than 20 seconds, compared to the previous carousel model”, says Mikael Larslin, Global product manager – Production drilling at Epiroc’s Underground division.

Minimized transport height

“The new horseshoe drill unit frame provides great stability and robustness during drilling, and minimizes the transport height during transportation”, says Mikael Larslin. “This makes the Simba SM60 S an ideal rig in smaller drift mines”.

The Simba SM60 S has one of the lowest transport heights in our fleet of Simba production drill rigs. The new horseshoe-mounted drill unit frame and low-built drill unit are designed to be positioned at the very lowest point, placing the drill unit below the cabin roof at a height of 2.8 meters.

Safe and reliable surfaced roads and stormwater infrastructure that will improve movement systems for vehicles and pedestrians are on the cards in Region D, Soweto.

The Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA), a wholly owned area-based development agency of the City of Johannesburg, has commenced upgrading gravel roads in Elias Motsoaledi and Pimville Zone 9.

The Elias Motsoaledi and Pimville Zone 9 gravel road upgrade projects are being undertaken on behalf of the City’s Human Settlements Department. The projects will entail the upgrading of gravel roads to surfaced standards inclusive of stormwater drainage.

The key area of focus for the Human Settlements portfolio is driving the priority related to Sustainable Human Settlements through the provision of basic services and infrastructure to all settlements. The JDA emphasizes developing resilient, sustainable, and liveable urban areas in identified transit nodes and corridors.

The Elias Motsoaledi and Pimville Zone 9 Gravel road upgrade projects will be based on the City of Johannesburg’s complete streets concept which refers to roads designed to accommodate diverse modes, users, and activities including walking, cycling, and public transport. Such street design helps create more multi-modal transport systems and more livable communities.

The Elias Motsoaledi road upgrades will focus on a 4.5km stretch, while the Pimville Zone 9 road upgrades will cover a 2.5km section, along with stormwater implementation spanning 1.4km.

The scope of work for the upgrades includes, but is not limited to:

• The barricading of the works including all traffic signs and required protective measures.
• Trench excavations for drains, stormwater pipes, and associated structures.
• Laying and bedding of concrete pipes and culverts.
• Backfilling of trenches and restoration of ground surfaces on completion.
• Construction of inlet, outlet, junction, and manhole structures with concrete, precast concrete, and/or brick walls.
• Construction of concrete, precast concrete retaining blocks gabion earth retaining structures, and erosion protection structures in water courses.
• Construction of segmental concrete block township Walkways.
• The laying of precast kerbing.
• Construction of road signs and markings.
• Construction of speed humps.
• Earthworks Construction of selected layerworks.
• Pavement layer works
• Asphalt surface construction.

The upgrade projects will play a critical role in job creation and skills development, with 30% of the contract value awarded to SMMEs in the ward.

The JDA also aims to maximize the use of local labour in the upgrades with the objective of job creation and income generation through an Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) approach.

“The Elias Motsoaledi and Pimville Zone 9 Gravel road upgrade projects align with the JDA’s mission to plan, implement, manage, and facilitate area-based developments in efficient, equitable, sustainable, and innovative ways. The upgrade project will go a long way in enhancing connectivity, mobility, and urban resilience,” JDA CEO Mr Themba Mathibe said.

These gravel road upgrade projects also align with the Human Settlements Department’s mission to improve the quality of life for its beneficiaries, creating neighbourhoods where people love to live, work, play, and do business.

The upgrades will supplement the various developments undertaken by the JDA in the region. In 2023, the JDA commenced with a transformative project to upgrade gravel roads to asphalt in Finetown Proper.

In South Africa, more than 5,900 accidents in the construction industry were reported for 2023. Of these, 32.3% were ‘struck by’ accidents (produced by forcible contact or impact between the injured person and an object or piece of equipment) signifying the importance of adhering to health and safety regulations. While this is a legal requirement, these regulations have been designed to help safeguard human lives. Understanding the risks and challenges associated with non-compliance is crucial for every stakeholder in the local construction sector.

Of course, ignoring health and safety regulations is not an option. From a liability perspective, if a company has not made any legal appointments as prescribed by the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), the liable party automatically becomes the CEO of the business. Furthermore, if injuries occur without the employer taking the necessary pre-emptive steps as prescribed by the OHSA, there will be significant financial repercussions as well as criminal liability, potentially leading to imprisonment.

Employers may face fines up to R1 million for breaches, and in severe cases, imprisonment for up to two years. Moreover, the Department of Labour has the authority to shut down a workplace if it poses a risk to employee health and safety. This can have significant reputational damage on a business which it will find difficult, if not impossible, to recover from.

Navigating challenges

One of the biggest challenges in maintaining compliance with health and safety legislation is navigating the complex regulations and cumbersome government platforms required for reporting Injuries on Duty (IODs). These obstacles can make compliance expensive and daunting, especially for smaller firms that do not have dedicated health and safety resources to call upon.

One of the ways to overcome this is by appointing a specialist OSHA consulting firm. Such a firm can assist the construction company in setting up the necessary compliance frameworks, training staff, and managing ongoing safety requirements. Having access to such a partner also means the company can use them to handle IODs if they should occur.

However, to foster a safe working environment, companies must prioritise consistent training and maintain visible safety signs in high-risk areas. Daily reinforcement of standards and consistent disciplinary actions for contraventions are essential. These practices help create a culture where safety is seen as non-negotiable, encouraging every employee to take personal responsibility for their safety and that of their colleagues.

Technology boost

Advancements in technology offer promising enhancements to health and safety standards in construction. Take for example the growing adoption of wearable devices. These can monitor the health and safety of workers in real time, providing alerts for hazardous conditions and helping prevent accidents.

Drones can be used for site inspections and accessing hard-to-reach areas without putting human lives at risk. There are also digital platforms that can streamline compliance reporting and improve the efficiency of safety audits. Not only do these technologies improve safety, but they contribute to improved efficiencies especially when they are integrated into daily construction practices.

Regardless of the technology available and how sophisticated construction techniques are becoming, the focus must always be on health and safety in what is potentially a volatile environment. By embracing new tools and methodologies, those operating in the construction sector can significantly reduce risks and enhance safety, ultimately leading to more secure, productive, and successful construction projects.

Prioritising health therefore becomes not just safety and legal priorities. It is also essential from a moral perspective. Reducing construction accidents must remain the priority as we continue to build the world around us.