“When we listen to the voices on the street, we will come to the conclusion that something is fundamentally wrong with the construction industry,” said president of CESA Naren Bhojaram during his address at the 2012 Public Private Infrastructure Forum, held on 21 and 22 June at the Killarney Country Club.

Based on the 2011 TNS Research Survey, the three issues of key concern amongst the citizens’ are corruption, poverty and unemployment. These rank as the three top tier issues that people say the South African government must sort out. “From this survey, the message from our people is clear: don’t give us a house – sort out your [government] own house. Give me a job and I will sort out my own housing,” said Bhojaram. Social, well-being and service delivery issues only featured in the second tier.

During his presentation, Bhojaram said CESA members are committed and can make a difference, from the top, with corruption and unemployment. According to the 2011 Corruption Perception Index – the international chart that the world looks at before deciding which country to invest in – SA scored a disappointing 4.1, coming in behind Namibia.

“We have to address business integrity and we don’t be trapped in your reasoning,” he continued. CESA prides itself on having an ethical business integrity management system (BIMS) – a company either complies with this code of conduct or will face the consequences. “We take these codes very seriously and our regulations are based on FIDIC* guidelines.”

*International Federation of Consulting Engineers

Infrastructure News editor