Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the South African construction industry

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted on many economic sectors globally. The regressed economic environment exacerbated its effects on the construction industry, especially in developing countries such as South Africa. The article presents an evaluation of the impact of COVID-19 on the construction sector, focusing on the construction delivery methods in South Africa. The effect of COVID-19 was evaluated against the South African Council for Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP)’s project life cycle framework. A mixed data-collection method was used for the study. Literature was consulted, and empirical data was collected through focused online panel discussions and structured questionnaires administered through online polls. This article presents the results as effect and frequency of issues arising from COVID-19, industry projections, and recommendations on sustainability. Findings showed a general hold on original investment decisions by clients, in both the public and private sectors; increased professional services’ scope of works, and increased health and safety compliance requirements, together resulting in higher costs.