Civil Engineering March 2022 | Vol 30 No 2

24 March 2022 Civil Engineering The targeted enterprise subcontrac- tors’ scope of construction work had varying degrees of complexity. Some complex construction aspects included bridge construction related concrete works such as pile caps, piers, abutments and parapets. With the continuous mentorship and practical training provided by the principal contractor, the emerging contractors were successful in overcoming the construction challenges associated with complex construc- tion methods, while strictly adhering to quality control, and programme related constraints. The Covid-19 pandemic presented a challenge to the project programme and had the potential to have a significant financial impact on the contractor and subcontractors on the project. Despite the restrictions to combat Covid-19, the contractors were able to complete the project on time, within budget and with minimal impact on achieving the project goals. The Msunduze River Bridge project has surpassed the 35% contract participation goals (CPG) expenditure target, which is a contract participation target for targeted enterprises, and has achieved a 52% CPG expenditure. This has shown that the development of targeted enterprise subcontractors can be implemented and successfully achieved, regardless of the complexity and nature of the project. 45 new job opportunities were cre- ated on the project by the employment of personnel from the local community by the principal contractor as well as the targeted enterprise subcontractors. The project had an employment target of 40 new job opportunities which was exceeded by almost 13%. The personnel employed from the local community received CETA-accredited training before commencing work, as well as in-service training during the project. Furthermore, 10 youth were trained as part of the National Youth Services Programme and received theoretical training, followed by on-site practical training. The local community also benefited from various other corporate social development initiatives on the project which included the donation of computer equip- ment and soccer kits to a local football club. PROJECT OUTPUT VS PROJECT OUTCOME For engineers, there is always a sense of pride in realising the output of a design. A greater sense of accomplishment, however, comes with seeing the outcome of a project, which contributes to the im- provement of the quality of life in society. The job creation, targeted enterprise development, as well as training and skills transfer initiatives implemented on pro- jects such as the Msunduze River Bridge heightens this sense of accomplishment as it allows for the upliftment of local com- munities and the development of small businesses, actively contributing to our development as a nation. The adage, “If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day but if you teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime” rings true through the successful completion of projects like the Msunduze River Bridge.  LEADERS IN CONSTRUCTION headoffice@iconconstruction.co.za | 031 003 0000 | www.iconconstruction.co.za