CONSULTING ENGINEERS
Rebuilding
with PURPOSE The 2021 theme for Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA) – rebuilding with purpose – explores how engineers can assist in implementing government’s South African Economic Reconstruction and Recover y Plan. Sugan Pillay, president of CESA
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he annual CESA Presidential Message highlighted the role of engineers in addressing poverty, inequality and unemployment. Sugan Pillay, president, CESA, touched on the compassion and empathy displayed by South Africans in 2020. “With the Covid-19 crisis, we saw an industry of people that act with more care for others. It is this spirit of ubuntu that CESA wants to promote. Our industry protects lives and livelihoods, and we need to always consider the tangible social and economic outcomes of the work we do.”
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IMIESA February 2021
Unpacking the 2021 theme, Pillay added that CESA will continue to mould consulting engineers to ensure they continue to protect lives through quality and safe infrastructure, and protect livelihoods through the creation of economic opportunities for the wider construction value chain.
Covid-19 vaccine Pillay encouraged the industry to be patient and understanding as government resources are diverted to funding the vaccine initiative. “Without doubt, the most pressing requirement is the roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccine. CESA and its members have the necessary skills and expertise like project and logistics management to assist with this undertaking,” added Pillay.
He noted that municipal budgets set for infrastructure may be diverted and that CESA members should stand ready to assist in infrastructure that might be prioritised, such as hospitals and clinics. “This may also give the country an opportunity to create legacy infrastructure rather than temporary structures and, if carefully planned, resources that are currently being utilised for short-term interventions can rather be used to develop long-term solutions.”
Reflecting on 2020 CESA placed much emphasis in 2020 on strengthening the relationship between government and the private sector. This was showcased by the association’s involvement in the Sustainable Infrastructure Development
