region
25 April 2006
Following one and a half days of deliberations, Southern African Development
Community (SADC) Ministers of Public Works and representatives ended
proceedings on a high note at Sun City today, 25 April 2006, with agreement on
the way forward regarding integration of the construction industry in the
region.
Speaking on behalf of Public Works Minister Stella Sigcau, Deputy Minister
Ntopile Kganyago said: âThis meeting of minds has been very successful in terms
of taking the process further. As a start, we have agreed on a Plan of Action
to pave the way for the harmonisation of regulations in the region. This will
allow greater co-operation between SADC member states with a view to breaking
down the artificial barriers standing in the way of integrated economic
activity in the region.â
The plan of action focuses on draft guidelines for the region on the
participation of foreign construction companies in projects, including the
participation and development of local companies in such projects. It also
focuses on draft proposals to: harmonise the regulatory framework for the
construction industry and procurement practices; address the construction
shortage skills in the region; facilitate the development of the construction
material industry; share best practices on contractor development and increase
access to information on construction sector activities.
In a Statement of Intent signed by the eight Public Works Ministers who
attended the conference, commitment was made to: harmonising regulation
practices, norms and standards in the SADC region to enable shared
socio-economic development; prioritising construction and property related
skills development in the region; developing the regional construction industry
and indigenous, black and women contractors in particular; promoting and
facilitating the development of the construction materials supply industry in
the region and reviewing procurement practices of addressing skills and
capacity development and empowerment of indigenous black and women enterprises,
promoting value for money and increasing the integrity, efficiency and
effectiveness of the procurement process.
The forum also pledged to follow up this first conference with annual
meetings to be held on a rotational basis in each of the SADC member countries.
Each country will also appoint a committee of senior officials to ensure
implementation and monitoring of the action plans. A timeframe for full
integration and harmonisation of the construction industry will be put forward
at the forumâs next meeting, scheduled for the first half of 2007.
For further information, please contact:
Thami Ngidi
Director: Media Relations
Tel: (012) 337 2819
Fax: (012) 323 2856
Cell: 082 888 0852
Email: thami.ngidi@dpw.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Public Works
25 April 2006
