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For example , the trend in the commercial property sector in South Africa is to award single disciplines to a range of consultants . Not only is this seen as putting checks and balances in place , but it allows the client “ to play the one against the other to drive the price down .” Green advocates for an integrated approach as “ making absolute sense ” to drive efficiencies both in cost and delivery .
A multidisciplinary approach is critical to large , complex infrastructure projects undertaken by AECOM such as the Gibela Rail Consortium ’ s Dunnottar factory , the stadia for the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup , the new Heineken brewery in Mozambique and the refurbishment of the Heineken brewery in Sedibeng , Gauteng .
“ That is where the strength of AECOM lies in pulling in people from overseas who have worked on that client ’ s infrastructure . They are aware of all the lessons learnt and know what the clients want and need . We have already built up a specialism here in South Africa , so much so that we are carrying out projects in Europe from South Africa for some major clients . Certainly , that is where we bring all these kinds of services together to give us a definite advantage ,” says Green .
Looking to the future , Green says the strategy is to continue to support AECOM ’ s global client base .
“ That is an avenue of work some of our local competitors obviously do not have . We are building up our capacity locally to be able to offer this support where there is work but not necessarily the skills and capacity .”
Key markets are the US , which accounts for the bulk of AECOM ’ s work globally , as well as Australia and New Zealand . All these countries have embarked on major infrastructure stimulus drives , while the European market remains muted due to the impact of the war in Ukraine . While AECOM continues to be awarded work globally , there is also a skills shortage to contend with , which makes South Africa attractive as a centre of excellence .
“ We are already doing a lot of work in the Australia and New Zealand area out of South Africa . There is a good cultural fit ,” says Green . The South African business is also heavily involved with mega infrastructure projects in Saudi Arabia , while other Middle East regions like the UAE are also starting to show green shoots again . RACA
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RACA Journal I March 2023 www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za