Chairperson, let me greet you all this afternoon in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. This Bill provides for the establishment of the Construction Industry Development Board to implement an integrated strategy for the reconstruction, growth and development of the construction industry, and to provide for matters connected therewith.
Whilst formulating our mandate, the standing committee considered the scope of consultation on the Bill, the importance of the subject matter to the citizens of the province, the constitutional mandate of participatory democracy, and public participation and transparency, and resolved that this piece of legislation should be considered for public hearing to empower the nation.
The structures implemented by this Bill will address issues affecting the workers. The national, social and economic objectives of the Bill include the growth of the emerging sector, labour absorption in the construction industry, improved labour relations and positive safety, and health and environmental outcomes which impact on the provinces.
The Bill includes emerging construction development and addresses the injustices of the past in this sector. The establishment of the board ensures that there is accountability and that all projects are registered. This ultimately ensures that there will be a transparent process in which structures are managed. The Eastern Cape undoubtedly supports the Bill in accordance with our mandate. [Applause.]