CONTRIBUTOR
must bring their practical view to public sector plans . When politicians and engineers work well together , the result is high quality public infrastructure delivered on time , on budget , and to the right specifications . This is the outcome we must strive towards .” Touching on the scourge of corruption , he added : “ We love our country , but we have not done enough to combat unethical conduct and to hold people accountable for misconduct .” He concluded by encouraging CESA members to report any instances where they are put under pressure by public servants to sway projects in unethical directions .
Presentations throughout the day focused on two key themes of infrastructure investment and development , and public sector procurement in the construction sector . The lineup featured high calibre speakers from across the construction value chain including engineers , property developers , economists , and finance institutions , which fostered diversity in opinions and rich discussions .
International speaker , Mark Steiner , from the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies in the USA ( ACEC ) gave an impressive presentation on Quality Based Selection ( QBS ) and the consequences of simply gravitating to the least cost procurement route . He provided examples of lessons learnt and the consequent risks related to least cost selection in the procurement of infrastructure .
“ A key part of this is to achieve an improved procurement process .”
Notable on the agenda , Dr Miriam Altman – a well experienced economist and Professor of 4IR Practice at UJ – unpacked the National Infrastructure Plan 2050 . Dr Altman assisted Infrastructure SA with formulating this plan and explained how it aims to improve procurement . “ There is a strong focus in the plan on building capacity as it relates to knowledge services – and a key part of this is to achieve an improved procurement process .” She highlighted that infrastructure procurement and delivery management ( IPDM ) must be focussed on value for money rather than least cost , with a deeper consideration of the project lifecycle . Additionally , it is suggested that IPDM be de-linked from
Bongani Baloyi – Executive Mayor for the Midvaal Local Municipality .
centralised purchasing and should rather be led by a chief procurement officer specifically mandated and capacitated with built environment professionals .
The emphasis on value for money was echoed by Ishmail Cassiem , Director : Construction Industry Performance Programme for the Construction Industry Development Board ( cidb ). He explained that the preamble to the CIDB Act 38 of 2000 states that the specialised nature of construction places on onus on the public sector client to continuously improve its procurement and delivery management skill “ in a way that promotes efficiency , value for money and the sustainable development of the construction industry .” He said that value for money must be recognised in the procurement process .
CESA CEO , Chris Campbell , wrapped up the event with great thanks to the day ’ s participants and sponsors who showcased South Africa ’ s talent and expertise in the construction sector . “ I believe we have made great progress today in connecting people and sharing ideas , helping create momentum towards SA ’ s growth and recovery ,” he concluded . CESA extends their thanks the event sponsors who made this virtual event a success , including the cidb , Old Mutual , Zutari – as well as affiliates AON , Isowall Group and SLVR Soft .
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www . saaffordablehousing . co . za NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2021 19