THE STATE OF SA'S CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Posted on: August 2019
The South African construction industry is set to emerge from recession in 2019 but growth will remain tepid at 2.4% (Fitch Solutions, 2019). The sluggish growth in South Africa spells more trouble for the already struggling large construction and building companies in the country. South Africa’s declining infrastructure remains an area of concern for the country’s future, yet despite the current environment, opportunities exist for construction companies (Theo Gaultier, 2019). Government’s 12% reduction in budget towards infrastructure has unsettled an already struggling construction sector, with some of SA’s largest construction companies going into business rescue and even bankruptcy. Reports say that four of SA’s six main construction companies have lost 50% to 75% of their share price in 2017, but there are good signs that the sector is recovering globally with the industry expected to reach $10 000 000 000 000 (trillion) by 2020, with emerging economies such as SA expected to contribute 51.9 % to the value of this sector. The construction industry and all its stakeholders should take advantage of the expected growth and optimize their available talent.
The South African construction industry will have to focus on using industry leading technology and building methods to ensure sustainable growth in the sector.
South Africa can focus on the following:
1. Technology and Innovation
Technology determine the future of everything today, there is different programs that incorporate technology in construction such us BIM, Revit and DimensionX. These programs will improve the construction industry and expand the horizons we currently have. Innovation is the use of technology to walk through the building and see the building in 3D as well as the ‘look-and-feel’ of the future building.
AGORA Quantity Surveyors are already making use of technology and innovation as seen below, our most recent project to be tendered in 3D is in Lusaka, Zambia.

Figure 1: BIM model features

Figure 2: Revit 3D Model (For architectural use to design)

Figure 3: DimensionX SD Model (For Quantity Surveying use to measure)

Figure 4: Innovative way to see the plan in 3D through a smart device

Figure 5: Innovative way to walk through a building to get the 'look-and-feel' of the future

Figure 3: DimensionX SD Model (For Quantity Surveying use to measure)

Figure 7: Rendering of a house AGORA is working on with structural steel cladding

Figure 8: Renderings of a hotel AGORA is working on with glass curtain walling

Figure 9: Example of timber cladding
3. Creativity in design, layout and external façades. Architects have a challenge to create unique plans and ideas for buildings and houses nowadays. Furthermore, these designs must improve the environment, be beneficial to the ecosystem and produce less pollution. There is a show “The World’s most extraordinary homes” on Netflix which has numerous ideas for creative buildings which have the necessary benefits.

Figure 10: The Underground house

Figure 11: The Flex house

Figure 12: The Underwater house

Figure 13: Roof top Gardens

Figure 14: Roof top gardens

Figure 15: Grass cladding to building facade

Figure 16: OR Tambo Environmental and Narrative Centre

Figure 18: Sisonke District Offices 5 Star Green rating

Figure 17: Department of Environmental Affairs head Office 6 Star Green rating
It is critical for the construction sector to work to develop the necessary capacity today to be able to continue to contribute meaningfully to the economy in the future
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