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CONSTRUCTION WORLD
OCTOBER
2014
ROADS AND BRIDGES
This is according to Nico Pienaar,
director of the Aggregate and Sand
Producers Association (Aspasa),
whosemembers are key suppliers of building
materials to the construction, roads, cement
and readymix concrete industries. The latest
building data, as well as an array of indicators
across these industries seems to indicate that
the market is verging on a major recovery.
“Even with a slew of negative events the
total sumof building plans passed is showing
healthy growth compared with last year’s
figures, which in-turn means that actual
building and construction should follow
suit shortly. Although commercial property
developments have slowed somewhat, resi-
dential building is climbing handsomely and
the commercial sector should follow as soon
as confidence is restored in themarketplace,”
predicts Pienaar.
Sustainable growth
He continues that Aspasa members are
also reporting improved volumes which
reconfirms that more building material is
being bought and consequently that more
construction is taking place. With a host of
large-scale retail complexes and malls planned
or in progress, as well as post-election infra-
structural projects waiting in the wings, the
prospect for the rest of the year looks good.
Despite Increasing demand for building
materials contractors should, however, be
aware of the quality of materials that they
purchase and ensure that materials are sourced
from reputable suppliers, rather than fly-by-
night operators who are looking at cashing-in
on higher demands.
Considering that sand and aggregates has
a direct bearing on the quality of structures,
roads etc that are being built it is important
that contractors make use of Aspasa accredited
suppliers who practice sustainable quarrying
practices and are trained to supply the right
materials for the job at hand.
Supporting the economy
“While Aspasa welcomes the ongoing recovery
of the industry it is important to ensure we put
quality and sustainability first when it comes to
undertaking new projects. We also encourage
Government to unlock the vast infrastructural
projects that have been on the cards for
so long in order to support growth. Simul-
taneously, Government at all levels need
to encourage their in-house procurement
officials, engineers and consulting engineers
to insist on using quality building materials
from registered industry body associations,
such as Aspasa.
“In this way we will not only ensure that
the market recovers to its pre-recession
state, but also that the recovery is based
on sustainable practices that benefit local
companies and creates employment for
more people. By supporting our local
quarries, cement manufacturers and other
suppliers we can contribute to creating a
buoyant local economy that will further fuel
growth in the development of our country,”
concludes Pienaar.
BUILDING INDUSTRY TRENDING UPWARDS
Even despite elections, crippling strikes and uneasy foreign exchange
rates, the building industry in South Africa is on the mend and is
showing signs of recovering beyond many analysts’ expectations.
Nico Pienaar, director of Aspasa.
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