The construction industry is calling on government to allow the sector to return to work in a bid to ease the impact of the nationwide lockdown on businesses and employees.
The COVID -19 Construction Rapid Response Task Team, which involves numerous associates and professionals in the industry, on Monday called for an immediate re-opening of live construction sites which were forced to shut down when the lockdown came into effect last month.
The task team’s John Matthews said construction work would recommence under strict health and safety measures as an essential service.
Mathews said South Africa’s construction sector, which provides employment to millions of people, is facing irrecoverable damage.
“Because of the no work situation, we have a lot of employees that are not generating an income and that in itself is also a problem. And we must not forget our professionals, everybody working in the value chain – suppliers up and down the chain – will continue to be affected even though we are suggesting a staggered approach in terms of opening up the industry,” he said.
For official information about COVID-19 from the Department of Health, please click here.