During industry organisation Consulting Engineers South Africa's (Cesa's) recent Infrastructure Indaba, procurement of goods and services emerged as a critical theme of discussion, underscoring the pivotal role procurement plays in delivering affordable and quality public infrastructure.
Participants and speakers emphasised the importance of achieving value for money through efficient risk transfer and pricing strategies and highlighting the need for strategic alignment between societal needs, economic imperatives and procurement practices, the organisation says in a post-event media statement.
Infrastructure engineering firm Aecom Africa MD and Cesa board member Darrin Green delved into the complexities of procurement strategies essential for addressing societal needs while ensuring economic sustainability.
Further, Auditor-General National Business Unit deputy Tintswalo Masia emphasised the importance of value for money and efficient risk management during the event in Cape Town on March 19 and 20.
Meanwhile, infrastructure development firm Bigen Africa water civil engineer and Young Professionals Forum national vice-chairperson Marizel Pienaar highlighted the multifaceted challenges of leadership, technology integration and mental health in the industry.
Civil engineering firm HHO Consulting Engineers urban infrastructure head and Cesa Western Cape branch chairperson Paul Faria highlighted critical issues such as water and energy security.
"The Cesa Infrastructure Indaba serves as a platform for collaboration, innovation and progress in the infrastructure sector, aimed at driving positive change and sustainable development across South Africa and beyond," Cesa said.