South Africa set for £33bn construction boom

UK contractors are being encouraged to pick-up a slice of a £33bn construction work boom planned in South Africa.

Officials at export body UK Trade & Investment have highlighted the country as a construction hot-spot with billions in infrastructure spending planned, including work for the 2010 World Cup.

Trade and investment officials launched a new report: 'Building South Africa: Opportunities for the UK Construction Sector' today.

Chief Executive Officer Andrew Cahn said: "South Africa is a fast growth economy with infrastructure plans to match. With investment opportunities in both private and public sectors, coupled with a severe skills shortage now is the time for UK companies to take advantage of the construction boom.

"The Government's infrastructure spending plan is set to accelerate the annual growth of the economy between 4.5% and 6%. Its ambitious plans for mass transport, water projects, prisons, hospital and prison upgrades provide plenty of opportunities for UK companies.

"This investment and events like the 2010 Football World Cup are acting as a catalyst for growth in the private construction sector. Opportunities include hotel and residential development as well as urban regeneration projects.”

The department believes UK contractors setting up a base in South Africa will be able to win work across the continent.

Mott MacDonald civil engineer Gary King has been working in South Africa for UK Trade & Investment to help identify potential opportunities for British construction firms.

Copies of the report Building South Africa are available from peter.cain@ukti.gsi.gov.uk.