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4
CONSTRUCTION WORLD
MARCH
2016
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MARKETPLACE
Pretorius stated that this year CESA
will be focusing on how the organ-
isation can support the industry
to deliver more with less; form
strategic partnerships; remain active and
vigilant advocates for the industry; and focus
on transformation of the profession.
Pretorius began her presentation with an
overview of the ever growing challenges being
faced that are having a significant impact on
consulting engineers and their role in society.
She stated, “Our country is challenged by
social instability, ever increasing unemploy-
ment, failing economic infrastructure and a
depreciating rand.
“All of these external influences have a
profound impact on society at large and with
all of these constraining elements, it appears
as if consulting engineers have to do more
with less.”
The state of affairs in South
Africa
At the recent CESA Infrastructure Indaba in a
presentation about the current South African
outlook negative sentiments, low GDP and
load shedding curtailing economic growth
were mentioned.
In addition, a backlog of R850-billion
planned infrastructure spend over the next
three years and a further R4-trillion required
over the next 15 years as well as a lack of
good governance, labour strikes and water
restrictions were discussed as challenges
facing the SA economy.
However, it was stated that all is not lost.
The country is making strides in the achieve-
ment of the National Development Goals with
significant infrastructure investment to date
planned in key sectors such as transport,
power, water and ICT.
Although the South African government
has accomplished much in the last few
years, there is not enough money to meet
the growing infrastructure challenges. At the
CESA’s Indaba, three possible avenues were
explored to meet these challenges:
• Private sector should increase its
investment in public infrastructure
development
• Maintenance of existing infrastructure
to ensure that the existing infrastructure
Mapping a
SUSTAINABLE PATH
for consulting engineers
Consulting Engineers South Africa’s (CESA) president, Lynne
Pretorius, recently presented her presidential message and
theme for the year at a function held at Hyatt Regency, in
Rosebank, with the theme of ‘Mapping a Sustainable Path for
Consulting Engineers amid Growing Economic Challenges’.
Consulting Engineers South Africa’s
(CESA) president, Lynne Pretorius.
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