Chris Campbell
Industry organisation Consulting Engineers South Africa (Cesa) says it has reservations about the effectiveness of a call centre as a solution for disruptions at construction sites.
This follows a recent announcement by Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Sihle Zikalala regarding the establishment of a call centre for the reporting of disruptions at construction sites in relation to the “construction mafia”.
“While we appreciate the government’s efforts to address disruptions at construction sites, historically, government-operated call centre facilities have faced challenges in delivering timely and efficient services, and thus there are concerns about the viability of this approach,” CEO Chris Campbell says.
In this context, the organisation has raised questions about the safety and anonymity of individuals reporting disturbances at construction sites.
“It is crucial to ensure that those who come forward with information are protected and that their concerns are addressed promptly. We also seek clarity on the measures in place to safeguard anonymous callers who may face threats or reprisals for reporting such incidents,” it emphasises.