The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), in collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), will host the summit at the Durban International Convention Centre in KwaZulu-Natal on 19 November.

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister, Dean Macpherson, has expressed his strong commitment to addressing crime at construction sites across the country.

“This is a fulfilment of a promise I made shortly after taking office to host a summit to deal with construction site stoppages nationwide.

“Construction sites should be places where workers build not just structures, but also a sense of safety, respect and trust. Unfortunately, crime has been a persistent challenge in the sector, undermining productivity, escalating costs and putting lives at risk,” Macpherson said.

The Minister committed to working with industry stakeholders to find solutions for safer work environments and underscored the government’s dedication to eliminating crime, ensuring that workers return home safely each day.

The SAPS will also play a key part in the stakeholder engagement as law enforcement plays a critical role in maintaining security. Accordingly, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu is expected to address the summit to reinforce the role of the police in combatting crime in the sector.

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana is also expected to speak at Tuesday’s summit. Other Speakers will include the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal and the Mayor of eThekwini.

The CIDB, a key partner in ensuring the professionalism and development of the construction industry, is equally dedicated to creating a conducive environment for effective delivery of infrastructure.

Bongani Dladla, CEO of the CIDB, highlighted the importance of industry-wide collaboration in promoting security and efficiency in construction.

“We’re looking forward to playing an active role in this summit as we strongly believe that the construction industry is vital to our nation’s growth, and addressing crime is essential to protecting both assets and the lives of those who build our future. The CIDB is committed to supporting initiatives like the National Construction Summit to set new safety standards and collaborate with the DPWI, law enforcement, and industry partners to make construction sites safer and more efficient,” said Dladla.

The summit will feature a series of expert-led discussions on legislation and policy, security and law enforcement, community engagement, empowerment, skills development and other strategic topics to equip stakeholders with the tools needed to combat crime on construction sites.

It will also provide an opportunity for networking and forging partnerships aimed at improving site security and promoting the safety of workers.

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Police spokesman Colonel Robert Netshiunda said an inquest docket had been opened.

“The police search and rescue team working with other private entities managed to rescue all five victims, however four of them were certified dead at the scene. One worker was found alive, approximately six hours after the collapse,” he said.

IPSS Search and Rescue’s Samantha Meyrick, who was at the scene on Zen Drive on Saturday, said multiple agencies worked together to locate the missing construction workers.

At one stage, the search had to be called off due to further collapses of the sandbank.

A TLB was brought to scene to excavate the site.

Meyrick said the only survivor was severely entrapped and alternative options had to be considered to get him out alive. The Air Mercy helicopter was on standby to transport him to hospital.

She said the man was successfully freed after several hours.

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