Construction World March 2016

remains serviceable for the duration of its design life and beyond • Addressing inefficiencies in the Supply

our country, Pretorius states that CESA has to partner with Government and key industry role-players. The consulting engineering industry represents a particular skills set that is required to further the country’s social and developmental goals. Unlocking the oppor- tunities identified, requires us to partner with Government as their trusted advisor. This is particularly relevant in developing an improved procurement environment for the consulting engineering profession. CESA’s partnerships with the Interna- tional Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC), as well as the regional block of the Southern African Development Communities and the rest of Africa, are of utmost impor- tance to further ensure quality and uniformity in engineering consulting practice and creating a conducive business environment Although a significant emphasis is placed on partnering with Government, CESA is the voice of consulting engineering and will continue to play an active advocacy role in the larger built environment profession. CESA has to continue to identify corruption, blow the whistle and work with authorities towards eradicating it. Transformation One of the strategic goals of our country is the economic transformation of previous margin- alised groups. Pretorius stated, “As consulting engineers we practice in the construction sector that has the potential to significantly contribute towards the transformation and economic empowerment agenda of our country”. CESA, as part of the construction sector, is currently involved in follow-up negotiations to update the scorecard. The transformation of business and our sector in particular, is of strategic importance. Adher- ence to BBBEE is the way we do business in South Africa and CESA and its members are positioning themselves to meet this oppor- tunity. Pretorius stated, “We need not view transformation, rightfully so or wrongfully so, as a loss of business but how we do business in South Africa”. In conclusion, Pretorius stated that, “At CESA we are clear about our role as ‘The Voice of Consulting Engineering’ and being a trusted advisor to our clients. We know what we have to do. Going forward we will ensure that we contribute towards South Africa’s social and economic growth.” CESA’s membership, currently representing 537 firms employing just over 24 366 staff, who collec- tively earn a total fee income of R23,4-billion per annum, is well-positioned to respond to this challenge. for working within Africa. Active advocacy

St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort.

AMONG BEST FIVE

Chain Management system and more especially as it applies to consulting engineers and built environment professionals in general

However, with the recent Moody’s down- grading of South African bonds to levels just above junk status, SA’s economic sustain- ability is also being questioned. Hearing of service delivery protests in various parts of the country has become commonplace and the recent water shortages are a growing concern. Critical municipal infrastructure such as dams, pump stations, pipes and roads are failing due to lack of timeous mainte- nance and investment, at critical periods, in the elements of economic infrastructure. Pretorius cautioned, “Within this environment, can SA’s vision, encapsulated in the National Development Plan, actually be delivered on? Or is it a pipe-dream?” She went on to say, “It is extremely important that Government remains on the path that has been mapped out by the NDP, as steering away from the targets will seriously diminish government’s credibility and further weaken domestic and foreign market sentiment.” Looking briefly at the state of affairs, Pretorius said that there is good news and bad news for consulting engineers. The economic outlook, coupled with limited technical skills, appears to be crippling and stifling the economy but the project pipeline looks good, but can it be delivered? The profession is ageing, but there is also significant growth in the number of young engineers. Pretorius stated, “We have to ask ourselves if things can get worse?” The influence of local government elections in 2016 will have a significant impact on service delivery priorities in some municipalities. In such a constraining economic environment, infrastructure development and the asso- ciated job creation opportunities, becomes more critical. Delivering more with less Pretorius believes that, “The critical role that the engineering industry, in particular the consulting engineering profession plays, in the functioning of SA’s economy cannot be underestimated.” The current economic outlook and concerns about the public sector’s ability to finance and undertake massive infrastructure investments, require the profession to assess its skills set and ability to meet the challenging environment. Forming partnerships In meeting the development challenges of

Aureconwas againrankedoneof the global top five ‘Best Partners’ in both the ‘Service Engineers’ and ‘Structural Engineers’ categories. In the 2016 annual World Architecture 100 (WA100) survey of the world’s leading architectural practices. were asked to rank their preferred professional associates based on wide-ranging criteria demonstrating outstanding commitment to clients, contribution to creativity and project outcomes, collaboration and chemistry, inge- nuity and technical expertise. “The Aurecon team thrives on developing close and collaborative design relationships with its architect partners to create innovative solutions which extend the boundaries of inspi- rational built environment concepts. “I’m pleased to see the success of our collaboration with architects evidenced by our climbing rankings in the WA100 survey,” says Aureconmanaging director – built environment, James Bennett. Some examples of recent high profile Aurecon projects include the iconic Asian tall buildings, Landmark 81, Ho Chi Minh City and SM Megamall Tower, Manila, as well as the ‘Hollywood in the desert’ theme park, Motion- gate Dubai, Abu Dhabi’s St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Australia’s multi-award winning Melbourne School of Design and South Africa’s Newtown Junction. With an office network extending across 27 countries, Aurecon has an extensive track record of projects in over 80 countries worldwide. It is able to deliver a full range of experience and services globally to ensure clients have the best teams for their projects. “We live our corporate values. In particular, we strive at all times to foster human achieve- ment through excellence, innovation and collab- oration,” comments Bennett. “We are proud and honoured to again have our skills and passionate commitment to supporting our architect part- ners recognised in the WA100 survey.” > The comprehensive WA100 survey is conducted by the prestigious UK-based Building Design magazine. Architects

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CONSTRUCTION WORLD MARCH 2016