Task team calls for phased reactivation of construction sector

CAPE TOWN  – The construction Coronavirus Rapid Response Task Team has called on the government to allow a phased reactivation of the sector, beginning with an immediate reactivation of sites that were shut down last month.

The Task Team said yesterday that the industry could potentially cushion the impact of an anticipated increase in unemployment after the lockdown.

Chairperson John Matthews said the team last week submitted detailed proposals for a phased reopening that would include strict guidelines on health and safety systems, and was asked to provide more details to senior government ministers at the weekend.

Matthews said the lockdown had a positive impact in preventing cases of occupationally acquired infections on construction sites and provided the industry with an opportunity to augment health and safety systems.

“We used this period to adapt health and safety systems,” Matthews said. “We have also identified qualifying construction sites that are ready for immediate re-activation.”

Source: iol.co.za