Builders urged to jump on SA’s construction boom
UK Trade and Investment is urging North West construction companies to look further afield for work, as the slump in the sector continues.
A report out today highlights the multi-billion pound construction opportunities in South Africa, because of the government’s £33bn infrastructure plans and the 2010 World Cup.
“The government’s infrastructure spending plan is set to accelerate the annual growth of the economy between 4.5 per cent and 6.0 per cent,” said Andrew Cahn, UKTI chief executive.
“Its ambitious plans for mass transport, water projects, prisons, hospital and prison upgrades provide plenty of opportunities.”
Opportunities include hotel and residential development as well as urban regeneration projects, he added.
But while such a move may help to keep North West construction companies afloat – Bolton-based Hurstwood Construction was placed into administration in June – it will do little to help those employed in the region.
Castle Cement, which has a production site in Clitheroe, Lancashire, last week said it is is to cut its fleet of drivers by 15% and its parent company Hanson has mothballed an Accrington brick factory for 18 months, with the loss of 80 jobs, following a 40 % drop in demand for bricks.
