Events and Exhibitions
The public sector has generally been regarded as the most important client to the industry , and the role of the public sector remains critical to the engineering profession .
The report also uncovered an alarming number of project cancellations , a poor ability for companies to break even and a decrease in fee earnings year on year . Competition among bidders has thus increased to a fierce level .
On a more positive note , however , firms have indicated a greater need for engineers and technologists , signifying great opportunities for the country ’ s graduates . Firms are also expecting profitability to increase – although margins are expected to remain low .
Overall , the consulting engineering confidence index improved significantly , coming off the back of fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns . While the industry faces many challenges , it is encouraging to know that role players remain positive and resilient .
PRIORITISING PROJECTS WILL BE KEY Soluade called on President Cyril Ramaphosa , to focus government ’ s efforts on unlocking the much publicised , close to R900billion project pipeline into shovel-ready projects , and CESA believes the state can achieve this by leveraging as much of the technical and built environment capacity in the private sector as is needed to fill the gaps that exist in public sector as conditions have reached a matter of urgency . Soluade added that the public sector is generally regarded as the most important client to the industry , and the role of the public sector remains critical to the engineering profession .
“ Firms have indicated a greater need for engineers and technologists .”
“ CESA is committed to acting in service of our industry and our country , to protecting lives and livelihoods , and to encouraging others to do the same . We remain available and willing to make sacrifices to achieve our vision . As a voluntary association , we are by nature in service and we call on others in our industry to set the example of serving with pride , integrity , honour , and discipline ,” concluded Soluade . RACA
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RACA Journal I April 2022 www . hvacronline . co . za