Minister for Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson, Deputy Minister for Police Kassel Mathare and Deputy Minister for Finance Ashour Sarpen attended the signing of the Durban Declaration to Combat Construction Mafia. (Included)
The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, the Police, the Ministry of Finance and the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) will work together to end construction mafia chaos on construction sites.
Minister for Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson signed the Durban Declaration at the Construction Summit in Durban, together with Deputy Minister of Police Kassel Mathare, Deputy Minister of Finance Ashour Sarpen and CIDB Chair Kurile Nzo.
Mr McPherson said the declaration would “bind sectors to carry out certain interventions to deter crime on construction sites, reduce opportunities for disorder and hold those responsible to account”. said.
The declaration includes strengthening the laws governing the industry, implementing appropriate policies for the development of the industry, improving data and reporting systems, and strengthening rapid responses to arrests and prosecutions against extortion at construction sites. It includes measures such as:
It also proposes the development of standard frameworks and guidelines for incorporating social facilitation into project planning and implementation, structured development and skills development of start-ups.
“Unless we end the moratorium on infrastructure projects, we will never be able to attract the additional investment that will lead to economic growth and job creation,” McPherson said.
He said it was essential to address this issue as job creation was a key priority of the Government of National Accord.
Minister Senzo Mchunu said police were ready to do “whatever it takes” to protect the construction industry from criminal activity and were intensifying investigations to track down those at the center.
Samson Nkongo, KwaZulu-Natal president of Master Builders South Africa, said it was heartening to see the government sector, construction industry and business community speaking in unison: “It all ends here”. said.
“We have been intimidated and intimidated ourselves, so we are very encouraged by the efforts the government is making to rid construction sites and the country of this scourge that is robbing our communities.” he stated.
“Take community infrastructure, for example. People inside and outside the local community decide to stop the construction of a library or school by blackmailing the contractor or making all sorts of demands. If they deny local children the right to education and knowledge, they will also deny the entire knowledge community.
“Preventing bridge construction not only impacts construction site workers, but also stunts local economic development. When we fight violence, we protect our members.” It’s not just about protecting everyone, it’s about protecting everyone.”
