INFRASTRUCTURE NEWS COVID-19 COVERAGE
Many industries find themselves in crisis, due to the coronavirus pandemic shutting down various construction projects, businesses and key industries. However, government, municipalities and companies have banded together to implement interventions to assist communities and South Africans alike. We will cover these stories, along with other information regarding the impact of the pandemic. For more up to date information about COVID-19 and statistics please visit www.sacoronavirus.co.za and the World Health Organisations (WHO) website.
Up to 190 000 people could die of COVID-19 in Africa if not controlled
83 000 to 190 000 people in Africa could die of COVID-19 and 29 million to 44 million could get infected in the first year of the pandemic if containment measures fail, a new study by the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Africa finds
Free standing hand sanitizer dispenser ensures user safety
As businesses start returning to limited operation, the challenge of ensuring that employees adhere to the stringent health and safety regulations, required for WHO (World Health organisation) compliance, may take its toll on management
Pressured construction sector seeks relief funds, opportunities
South Africa’s construction sector urgently needs support and an enabling regulatory environment to help it survive the COVID-19 lockdown crisis, on top of the challenges it was already facing
Satellites show decrease in air pollution in South Africa during national lockdown
A preliminary analysis of satellite data on air pollution shows a decrease in the concentrations of pollutants over South Africa during the national lockdown caused by the outbreak of the Coronavirus in the country
Cleaning your offices after lockdown – the do’s and don’ts
Business owners need to ensure that their workspaces are properly cleaned and thoroughly cleansed before employees report for duty once the lockdown has been lifted
Low risk of COVID-19 in SA water systems
There is no evidence that COVID-19 will contaminate water supplies, but the pandemic has highlighted water challenges putting communities’ health at risk, say industry stakeholders
Businesses and community leaders join the #CoronaFight
While statistics on the COVID-19 situation in South Africa paints an optimistic picture with over 80,000 citizens being tested to date, experts assert that the spread of the virus is inevitable.
DWS continues to provide water tanks to vulnerable communities in Eastern Cape
More than 4500 water tanks have been dispatched to various communities in Eastern Cape Province. This is in an effort stop the spread of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic which has claimed 48 lives so far.
Construction industry making plans to rebuild post-lockdown
The Covid-19 pandemic continues to have a severe impact on all sectors of the economy. The construction industry has been particularly hard hit as a result of construction sites having to close and projects put on hold.
Construction industry establishes COVID-19 rapid response task team
The global economy has been thrown into turmoil as the world struggles to combat the spread of COVID-19 with several countries in lockdown or isolation. 
New mapping tool could help fight COVID-19
The aim is to help fight the pandemic in South Africa by enabling easier communication between national departments and all tiers of government as they respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and plan their interventions
Lockdown set to hit ‘struggling’ construction industry hard
The Master Builders Association (MBA) North warns that the lockdown and its aftermath are set to raise all sorts of issues for an industry that is already in trouble.
Eskom to conduct more maintenance work as demand drops
As South Africa enters day 7 of a nationwide COVID-19 lockdown, Eskom has announced that it will double maintenance work at its plants.
Water is key to fighting COVID-19, says minister Sisulu
The Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation, Lindiwe Sisulu, has expressed her concern over municipalities who continue to cut off water supply to their residents.
Destitute waste pickers to receive assistance during countrywide lockdown
The Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries have secured a plan to assist waste pickers who have lost their livelihoods.
Water tanks in transit to municipalities across SA
In an effort to curb the spread of the COVID-19 the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has commenced with the distribution of water tanks to municipalities across SA.
Sub-Saharan Africa construction sector highly vulnerable to coronavirus impact
The negative impact from COVID-19 will compound other challenges, notably high national debt, labor shortages and little infrastructure spending amid a depressed economy.
SA plastics industry urged to get on board with fighting COVID-19 outbreak
The plastics industry asserts that this has afforded them a unique opportunity to practically demonstrate the tremendous power of plastics.
COVID-19 ripples into the container industry
This rapid outbreak has impacted global markets in unprecedented ways since its arrival. As with many businesses and industries, the container industry has been and will be impacted – and changed in many ways.
Improvements in Mpumalanga water levels aids the fight against COVID19
The improvement in the water levels in the Mpumalanga Province bodes well for the fight against the spread of the coronavirus.
Keeping the water flowing and lights burning
Critical pumps in the provision of water and sanitation services, as well as pumps used in the generation of electricity are being fully supported during the nationwide Covid-19 lock down period.
WC municipalities implement interventions to assist communities
Municipalities across the Western Cape continue to roll out a broad collection of interventions aimed at mitigating the impact of Covid-19 in their communities.
Waste collection to continue as per normal during lockdown
EThekwini Municipality Cleansing and Solid Waste Unit has issued an updated plan regarding refuse collection and waste disposal during the national 21-day lockdown.
COVID-19: Important Government contact details
National government and all their partners are working around the clock to respond to the coronavirus. Different work streams have been setup up to enable quick and effect response.
African Development Bank launches social bond to fight COVID-19
The African Development Bank has raised an exceptional $3 billion in a three-year bond to help alleviate the economic and social impact the Covid-19 pandemic will have on livelihoods and Africa’s economies.
Criminal gangs and coronavirus threaten safety in construction industry
Contractors who fail to implement effective health and safety regulations on their construction sites are placing their workers at serious risk, especially in light of the global Coronavirus pandemic.
Seven steps to preventing spread COVID-19
The disease causes respiratory illness (like the flu) with symptoms such as a cough, fever, and in more severe cases, difficulty breathing. There’s currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease. .
Anglo Gold donates water tanks to Hammanskraal taxi ranks
Mining company, Anglo Gold Ashanti has donated water tanks to taxi ranks in areas of Hammanskraal to help fight Covid-19 outbreak in the country. The 1,000 litre tanks will be placed at taxi ranks.
Sisulu outlines measures to ensure South Africans have access to water
Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation Minister Lindiwe Sisulu says her department has procured water tanks which have been distributed across the country to ensure water supply during the lockdown.
Higher dam levels will help to fight COVID-19
Rains soaked Gauteng and many other parts of the country last week, however, the current 66,2% national dam levels may not be enough to fight the COVID-19 pandemic that has wreaked havoc in many provinces.
