Construction: New national standards launched

New national standards for construction development were launched by Public Works Minister Thulas Nxesi this week. The standards set a benchmark for development, including construction quality, skills and contractor development, and mark the beginning of phase two of the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) register of projects and register of contractors. They are set in terms of the Construction Industry Development Board Act, which requires the CIDB to establish the best practice project assessment and contractor recognition schemes. The benchmarks launched are the standard for indirect targeting for enterprise development through construction works contracts; the standard for developing skills through infrastructure contracts; and the contractor performance reports. Stakeholders and role players were extensively consulted during the development of the standards.