DURBAN: Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has urged law enforcement agencies to intensify their efforts to apprehend individuals responsible for disrupting vital infrastructure projects. Macpherson emphasized that the government cannot afford to negotiate with those hindering the development of essential public infrastructure such as roads, dams, schools, and hospitals.
According to South African Government News Agency, Macpherson addressed the pressing issue during the National Construction Summit on Crime-Free Construction Sites, held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban. He highlighted that the summit’s purpose was not merely to discuss but to take decisive action. The minister noted the presence of high-ranking officials, including the Minister of Police, the KZN Premier, Deputy Ministers, and MECs, as evidence of a unified commitment to tackling the problem.
Macpherson underscored the importance of the summit in facilitating difficult conversatio
ns, fostering understanding, and devising a concrete plan to eradicate criminal activities and thuggery at construction sites. He pointed out that criminal syndicates, often masquerading as legitimate business forums, have repeatedly stalled public and private construction projects by demanding a share of project costs.
The minister stressed that ending disruptions at construction sites is crucial for transforming South Africa into a thriving construction hub. He warned that negotiating with criminals is not an option, as such disruptions not only incur significant financial losses for contractors, businesses, and the state but also delay critical services needed by vulnerable communities.
Macpherson highlighted the broader impact of construction site disruptions, which delay the delivery of essential services such as sanitation, water, schools, hospitals, and police stations that millions of people depend on. He cautioned that these disruptions deter private-sector investment, as businesses are reluctant t
o build under insecure conditions, ultimately hindering job creation amid historically high unemployment rates.
The minister acknowledged the efforts of key law enforcement figures, including Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu, National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, and KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, for their recent work in prioritizing the fight against the construction mafia.
The summit aimed to address growing concerns about safety, the construction mafia, and criminal activities at construction sites. It served as a platform for government officials, industry leaders, law enforcement agencies, and construction sector representatives to engage in meaningful dialogue and share best practices for creating crime-free environments in the construction industry.