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The South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP) is concerned about the collapse of road infrastructure that took place in the Eastern Cape during December 2021.

In the Christ Hani District Municipality,  heavy rains resulted in the collapse of a section of the R61 at Tsomo Junction between Ngcobo and Cofimvaba, towards the end of December 2021.  In response to the incident, the SACPCMP commented that the appointment of Registered Professionals on projects was essential in mitigating construction-related disasters. 

“The safety of the public is a priority.  Where construction fails to adhere to the highest standards of safety and construction management, we see a breakdown and total collapse of structures,” said SACPCMP President, Mr. Isaac Nkosi.  “To ensure highest quality of outputs within the Built Environment, one of the key measures is the engagement of the right participants, including professionals and contractors, from the very beginning of all projects”.  

Nkosi said that Registered Professionals provide the necessary experience, qualifications and skills required to ensure that projects are executed within the set timeframes and budgets; and to standards that guarantee sustainability, proper functionality and safety of these structures.  

“Furthermore, Clients and Registered Professionals appointed on construction projects should be held accountable for sub-standard work in the Project and Construction Management, and Construction Health and Safety professions.  Professionals are required to comply with a code of conduct as part of their professional registration and thus, are accountable for their actions in terms of the requirements of the code,” he said. 

The Council cautioned State-owned Entities, Government Departments Construction firms and the like, against the use of people who were not professionally registered. The Council said that it will, over the next few months, be engaging with industry stakeholders regarding the importance of utilising Registered Professionals to ensure diligently and ethically executed projects. This is one of the ways in which sponsors and owners of the various infrastructure and facilities will ensure the highest quality and safety standards within project and construction environments.

Issued by SACPCMP