The two day Construction Indaba hosted by the eThekwini Municipality kicks off today and is aimed at empowering emerging and established contractors.

The Construction Indaba, held at the Durban Exhibition Centre, will guide and advise the contractors through the industry’s most common challenges and assist them so that they can be self-sustainable.

EThekwini Mayor James Nxumalo said the construction sector is key in assisting the City achieve specific outcomes, such as employment creation and economic empowerment to millions of people not only in the City but in the entire country.

“Our growing population and urbanisation has resulted in the increased utilisation of Municipal infrastructure. With this in mind, the construction sector is critical so that we can address the increased demand on existing infrastructure.

“The primary aim of the Indaba is to equip emerging contractors with relevant skills to participate in infrastructural development programmes earmarked by the government,” said Nxumalo.

Nxumalo added that the Municipality has realised that the construction sector will not only assist the Municipality address its infrastructural challenges but it will also contribute to the economic growth and development of the City.

The Construction Indaba will also give emerging contractors and established companies a platform to exhibit their services and products to buyers and other interested stakeholders who will be attending the Indaba.