Question NW2364 to the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
07 January 2025 - NW2364
Ngcobo, Mr SL to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
With reference to the National Construction Summit on Crime-Free Construction Sites that was held on 19 November 2024 at the Durban International Convention Centre, in which his department, in collaboration with the SA Police Service (SAPS), the Construction Industry Development Board, and security companies addressed the growing concerns surrounding safety, the construction mafia, security, and other criminal activity on construction sites as well as to promote practical solutions for building crime-free environments within the construction industry, (a) what are the details of the agreements made between his department, security companies and the SAPS and (b) at what the cost to the government; (2) Whether a tender process will be conducted to identify which security companies offer the best value for money in addressing the crisis; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
1a)
The agreements arising from the National Construction Summit on Crime-Free Sites held on 19 November 2024 were tabled in the form of a Declaration of Intent which was endorsed by the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Department of Police, and National Treasury. This has been called the Durban Declaration of Crime-Free Construction Sites.
In terms of the Declaration the participants of the National Construction Summit on Crime-Free Sites committed to adopting a multifaceted approach involving policy reform, enhanced security measures, community engagement, development of the emerging sector and sustained collaboration between stakeholders.
The participants pledged their commitment across the following key areas:
1. Legislation and Policy:
Strengthen the legislation governing the construction industry and implementation of appropriate polices for the development of the construction industry.
2. Law and Order
Improved data and reporting systems, rapid response leading to arrests for extortion on construction sites and prosecutions.
3. Social Facilitation
Develop standard frameworks and guidelines for embedding social facilitation in project planning and implementation.
4. Construction Industry Pathway to Success for the Emerging Sector
Provide for the systematic and structured development of emerging enterprises and skills development.
5. Stakeholder Collaboration
Establish collaborative platforms for industry stakeholders to share best practices and collaborate on solutions to the problems faced by the construction industry.
A significant outcome of the summit was the agreement to enhance security on construction sites through a joint task force between the South African Police Service (SAPS) and private security providers. This partnership is designed to ensure a coordinated and proactive approach to crime prevention. The task force will focus on safeguarding construction projects from criminal activities such as extortion, vandalism, and theft. Additionally, a data-driven approach to crime management was emphasised, including the use of predictive analytics to identify and prevent potential criminal incidents before they occur. This strategy will help law enforcement respond more effectively and swiftly to threats.
By integrating community involvement, safety and security into every aspect of the construction delivery process, the summit has set the stage for a more resilient, crime-free industry that contributes to South Africa’s national development goals.
1b)
There are initiatives between the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the private security industry to address extortion on construction sites. The costs to government will be determined through the SAPS process. These include enhancing security on construction sites through a joint task force between SAPS and private security providers. This partnership is designed to ensure a coordinated and proactive approach to crime prevention. The task force will focus on safeguarding construction projects from criminal activities such as extortion, vandalism, and theft.
2. Ministry will make a statement on the procurement related issues after consultation with relevant sector departments.
_________________________
MR. D MACPHERSON, MP
MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE
DATE: