BRIC NATIONS

As construction for the 2010 Soccer World Cup in South Africa draws to a close, all eyes in the industry move to Brazil. In this article, we briefly consider the advantages of using either the Fédération Internationale des Ingénieurs-Conseils (FIDIC) Red Book, and the New Engineering Contract (NEC3) Engineering and Construction Contract.

BRIC COUNTRIES

As construction for the 2010 Soccer World Cup in South Africa draws to a close, all eyes in the industry move to Brazil. In this article, we briefly consider the advantages of using either the Fédération Internationale des Ingénieurs-Conseils (FIDIC) Red Book, and the New Engineering Contract (NEC3) Engineering and Construction Contract.

BEST PRACTICE

The skills challenge facing South Africa needs no introduction, but what demands attention is the way in which performance quality and leadership will be developed in order to drive the construction industry forward.

CIDB

The Provincial Stakeholder Workshops were hosted in line with the 2009 National Stakeholder Forum theme of ‘Responding to the Requirements for Efficiencies and Empowerment through Strategic Partnerships’.

CONTRACTOR DEVELOPMENT

The Provincial Stakeholder Workshops were hosted in line with the 2009 National Stakeholder Forum theme of ‘Responding to the Requirements for Efficiencies and Empowerment through Strategic Partnerships’.

CORRIDOR PROJECTS

In Part One we looked at the challenges faced, such as prohibitive transport costs (much of it owing to the time it takes to travel), red tape and poor regulations, decaying infrastructure, lack of incentive for the private sector and the shallow, isolated approach taken by so many decision makers.

CORRIDOR DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES

In Part One we looked at the challenges faced, such as prohibitive transport costs (much of it owing to the time it takes to travel), red tape and poor regulations, decaying infrastructure, lack of incentive for the private sector and the shallow, isolated approach taken by so many decision makers.

ENERGY

Wind energy is the oldest form of energy known to mankind, being that it was around the dawn of civilisation when the tie between man, wind and cultural development was formed. Around 5 000 BC, human beings were pushed up the Nile River by the prevailing northerly sea breeze, while ancient architects used wind to naturally ventilate their buildings. By 200 BC, the Chinese were using windmills to pump water and the Persian's, among others, used reed sails to grind their grain.

ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT

Since the introduction of social housing in South Africa, there is no record of a private sector for-profit company having engaged in the initiation, development and management of a social housing project. This stark fact prompts two suggestions, either the private sector is not well informed about the social housing programme or, the private sector is informed, but does not consider the incentives being offered attractive enough to want to participate.

GREEN BUILDING

There is a place where Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa unite, along the banks of the Limpopo and Shashe rivers. Its name was once the Kingdom of Mapungubwe.

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

The Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA) is a state-owned organisation whose mission is to fund and develop bulk raw water infrastructure in a sustainable manner that is cost-effective and benefits the consumer. TCTA also provides an advisory service within the water sector.

LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT

A summary of the paper: How has South African construction been insulated from the global financial crisis? Authored by Reamogetje Ngoepe, Mbongeni Simelane and Ian Kennedy – School of Construction, Economics and Management (University of the Witwatersrand) The paper argues that five factors acted towards insulating South Africa from the cold chill of the Global Financial Crisis.

PPP’S

Wind energy is the oldest form of energy known to mankind, being that it was around the dawn of civilisation when the tie between man, wind and cultural development was formed. Around 5 000 BC, human beings were pushed up the Nile River by the prevailing northerly sea breeze, while ancient architects used wind to naturally ventilate their buildings. By 200 BC, the Chinese were using windmills to pump water and the Persian's, among others, used reed sails to grind their grain.

PRODUCT REVIEWS

Boston, Massachusetts had a world-class traffic problem, an elevated six-lane highway called the Central Artery that ran through the downtown city centre. When it opened in 1959, the Central Artery comfortably carried about 75,000 vehicles a day. It has carried upwards of 200,000, quite uncomfortably, making it one of the most congested highways in the world.

REGULATORY

Construction dispute resolution techniques are no longer confined to grim court or arbitration battles. Far more appropriate techniques have emerged; techniques which seek to preserve commercial relationships and minimise disruption to the progress of the works.

RESEARCH

There is a place where Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa unite, along the banks of the Limpopo and Shashe rivers. Its name was once the Kingdom of Mapungubwe.

WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION

More and more women are breaking the stereotype to succeed in the construction industry, which is traditionally a male domain. The challenge is for industry to be as creative as possible, and in that way attract, retain and develop the women of this country. Once momentum moves in the right direction, there is no telling what the women of this country could achieve.