The construction sector in the Western Cape is under scrutiny after 891 contractors were found to be non-compliant since the start of the year.
Speaking to CapeTalk’s Africa Melane, Western Cape Property Development Forum chairperson Deon van Zyl said the figures were concerning, but added that it was important to understand the nature of the violations.
“I think one’s got to acknowledge that there are rules and that there are rules for a purpose. And when a construction industry doesn’t abide by the rules, then one does get concerned.”
But Van Zyl also raised the question: “Are there not too many rules?”
“The non-compliance, are they fundamental issues? Are they box-ticking issues?”
Labour Department flags widespread workplace ‘non-compliance culture’
He suggested that if the rules and regulations made it difficult to get into the industry, that was a problem that also needed to be addressed.
Van Zyl said this did not mean contractors should be allowed to ignore regulations they found difficult or inconvenient.
He said safety rules in particular had to be followed.
“Construction is an incredibly dangerous industry. Health and safety on site is not negotiable.”
Among the contraventions highlighted were occupational health and safety violations, breaches of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act and issues involving the Unemployment Insurance Fund and Compensation Fund.
Inspectors also found 79 undocumented foreign nationals working on a construction project in Long Street.
Van Zyl said there was no justification for unsafe construction sites and that failures involving compensation for workers were also unacceptable.
“There is absolutely no excuse for construction sites not being safe, not being managed.”
He said the sector was also facing a shortage of skilled workers and that more needed to be done to train people locally.
Contractors are also required to comply with the rules of several organisations, which Van Zyl said made the system hard to navigate.
“Perhaps it’s time to start talking about a single construction code, a piece of legislation that deals with all of these factors under one umbrella. I am worried that it’s incredibly fragmented.”
Never miss a major story. Get breaking news and the latest developments from South Africa and beyond as they happen.
Sara-Jayne Makwala King
www.ewn.co.za