COMMUNITY CONSULTATION IS KEY TO FRUSTRATION IN BUILDING SECTOR.
The construction sector is in dire straits with many construction companies under immense pressure from retrenchments and possible business closure. This frustration is compounded by surrounding rural communities that often work for local construction companies.
When a new project is earmarked for a rural community, many problems and expectations arise, largely due to a miscommunication between the community and the construction company. These communities continue to live in poverty with poor service deliveries leading to exasperation and frustration. So, what can be done to diminish the tension between communities and construction companies?
Unscrupulous and Unrealistic
The communities’ frustrations and expectations have led to construction projects being held ransom. Recently, Aveng-Strasbag had to stop work on its’ R1.6bn contract to build a bridge over the Mtentu River. They cited excessive demands by the community as the reason for choosing to cut their losses. Another construction site was closed as workers hired from the community wanted bonuses simply for attending work.
In addition, community representatives may have their own power plays and want to show the rest of the community and the construction company how important they are by calling for community protests.
Can this community behaviour be avoided?
These demands may be avoided by construction companies being proactive on how issues are initially communicated between themselves and community leaders. A construction project has a beginning and an end date. Yet this is not often communicated to the members of the community or they simply refuse to understand this concept, i.e. community members insist on permanent employment, despite its being a limited-time construction project.
Research, Mediating and Consulting Are Essential
When working within a community it is important to approach a consultation company which acts as a facilitator and intermediary between the construction company and the community.
This intermediary looks at all points of view from community issues to the construction project. This same intermediary can help advise the construction project on how to avoid potential pitfalls and protests. The consultancy will research similar big companies that have previously been involved in that community, and highlight ‘red flags’ and how the community reacted to decisions made by the company. The consultation company also advises on the strategy to follow to mitigate risk. Furthermore, understanding the community dynamics before breaking ground is essential to a successful construction project, particularly in rural South Africa.
It is recommended that perhaps one of the best avenues, prior to commencing with the project, is that the company conducts skills assessment tests. Members of the community who have building skills, but do not have the paperwork, or perhaps have a letter from their previous employee, could still be part of the project due to their vast experience. without putting the project at risk, there is an advantage to recognising previous experience and including members of the community.
Leaving a Legacy
In terms of upskilling, the construction company is not required upskill locals. However, if the business embraces good corporate governance, then the question arises – what is the legacy you would like to leave behind? Part of positive brand building and leaving a long-term legacy is achieved with upskilling programmes where community members are able to work on the next project, thereby making the projects more sustainable for the community.
Upskilling may also assist with unreasonable demands from the community. If a company is proactive in leaving a positive legacy and it spends money on upskilling, then there is less chance for people to follow disruptive elements within the community.
More information from Janine Espin, Tel: 011 447 4683
