CIOB / cidb 2010 Construction Summit

 On the 26th and 27th of May 2010 CIOB Africa (Charted Institute of Building - Africa) in partnership with the cidb (Construction Industry Development Board) held the 2010 Construction Summit at Gallagher Estate, Midrand.

Over the course of the 2 day summit, over 600 delegates including both local and abroad visitors were exposed to an exceptionally high standard of presentations and addresses.

Among the guests of honour who presented over the 2 day event were the Honourable Geoffery Doidge, Minister of Public Works and Professor Li Shirong, President of CIOB International.  The 2010 Construction Summit was chaired by both Bridgette Gasa, President of CIOB Africa and Ronnie Khoza, Chief Executive Director of the cidb.

The speaker itinerary covered a number of topics that are of current concern to the built environment, including the Eskom Investment Programme, how the current economic crisis affects our industry, rural development and sustainability in building practices.  The summit further addressed the need for a focus towards better teamwork amongst clients, consultants and the contractors, using sustainable practices for the development of the Africa superstructure build.  Also addressed during the event were the partnerships and opportunities offered by China utilising Asian finances and skills, and how the market could gain access to this.  This particular issue created a very good discussion topic, with good delegate interaction.  The event provided a platform for level 1 to 6 cidb members where their views could be expressed, and issues and matters raised directly with the CE of the cidb – Ronnie Khoza.

The Summit also played host to 30 industry exhibitors, with their exhibition stands set up in a different exhibition hall located adjacent to the main plenary room.

The cidb as well as the CIOB are both delighted with the overwhelmingly positive response and feedback that we have received from the many delegates and exhibitors who enrolled for the summit.

The organisers are without doubt planning to make this Summit a regular feature, and look forward to even more support from the formal construction industry.  The summit has proved to provide a wonderful opportunity for international cross industry communication and networking.