Engineering News reports that the Bargaining Council for the Civil Engineering Industry (BCCEI) has put an action plan in place that reaches out to all concerned parties to address systemic extortion in the construction sector.

Working in support of Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Patricia de Lille's and the Special Investigating Unit's Infrastructure Built Anti-Corruption Forum, the BCCEI has called on all affected parties to be part of a collaborative solution. The BCCEI action plan includes macro-level engagements with government, as well as support mechanisms at the micro-level of construction projects. BCCEI operations manager Lindie Fourie advised that the council has approved the allocation of resources to coordinate input from project stakeholders including contractors, clients, employees and communities and offer guidance to contractors when sites were disrupted by construction mafia or communities. This will include working closely with the responsible persons within the SA Police Service mandated to address extortion incidents. Fourie went on to indicate: “To help our members to execute projects safely and smoothly, we are creating a centralised database with key contacts at regional and national level. This includes unions, government departments, police, private security and community leaders, as well as taxi associations.” Additionally, the BCCEI will also be reaching out to credible specialists to assist in resolving site disruptions. Fourie is hopeful that momentum is building in the national response to construction mafia disruption and violence. “The safety of employees on site remains the key concern. A key aim must be to create a stable environment where law-abiding communities and capable local sub-contractors can benefit fully from construction works,” she noted.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard at Engineering News

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