The construction industry plays a critical role in creating an enabling business environment. It is also a vital sector for the country’s economy, responsible for creating jobs, stimulating investment and improving infrastructure. This was said by the Investment Lead in the Private Office of the President, Dr Anthony Costa, during the City of Johannesburg Construction Permits celebration in Pretoria today.
According to Costa, the construction sector is a significant contributor to the Gross Domestic Product and plays an important role in the country’s development.
“In addition to its economic contribution, the construction industry also plays a critical role in creating an enabling business environment. A well-functioning construction sector is essential for attracting investment, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, and promoting innovation. By making it easier for businesses to navigate the construction permit process, we are helping to create a more conducive environment for entrepreneurship and economic growth,” said Costa.
Costa added that initiative such as the construction permit system were critical within the broader framework of enhancing competitiveness and simplifying processes for both large and small businesses.
“The replication of the principles of the Ease of Doing Business Programme into practical initiatives across government to improve the end-user experience will undoubtedly have a positive multiplier effect not just for construction permits but across the board to co-create with private sector an enabling business environment,” he said.
Costa further said that the City of Johannesburg’s web-based construction permit system was an example of how technology can be used to create an enabling business environment by modernising the process and reducing lead times, the city is making it easier for businesses to invest and grow in the province.
The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) commended the City of Johannesburg for its outstanding achievement of developing a web-based construction permit system. The event also recognised individuals who were key in making the permit system a reality.
The new web-based system has streamlined and modernised the manual Site Development and Building Plan permit system. The City of Johannesburg is the first South African city to pilot the open-source system. The system provides real-time updates of every stage of the application process, invaluable information that ensures transparency throughout the building plan application process.
Investment Lead in the Private Office of the President, Dr Anthony Costa speaking during the Johannesburg Construction Permits celebration that took place in Pretoria today.
Enquiries:
Bongani Lukhele – Director: Media Relations
Tel: (012) 394 1643
Mobile: 079 5083 457
WhatsApp: 074 2998 512
E-mail: BLukhele@thedtic.gov.za
Issued by: The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic)
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