Chairperson, the UDM supports this Bill primarily because this statutory body at national level in the form of a juristic person will exercise an oversight function with regard to the co-ordination of all construction industry activities throughout the country. The balanced nature of the board's composition, which takes into account gender, race and geographical composition, will ensure an element of inclusivity. This exercise will undoubtedly enhance consistency and maintenance of standards, and create a platform for the exchange of ideas.
Clause 13 provides for the board to establish a construction industry stakeholders' forum, to keep the board abreast of matters that affect the construction industry. This input is commended because a pool of expertise, such as civil engineers, surveyors and draughtsmen will, for the first time, be afforded the opportunity to share expert knowledge with one another. Medical practitioners have been practising this approach. Extensive discussions are held, in which an exchange of expert knowledge takes place, before they undertake major operations in theatre. After all, unity is strength and divided we fall.
Clause 14 of the Bill calls for the reviewing of the board's activities every five years - which I think is rather too long - by an evaluating team that will comprise members of the public and private sectors. This is one away, amongst others, of ensuring that the findings are free from bias - that they are objective, reliable and valid.
Members will recall that lives were lost in Mpumalanga, near Bushbuckridge, during the construction of the Nwaretje bridge on the road to Graskop. This Bill is aimed, among other things, at preventing accidents of that nature.
Lastly, the UDM commends the provisions of this Bill when it comes to the daunting problem of unemployment we encounter in this country, particularly in the Northern Province. The establishment of the office of the registrar of contractors means that a number of people will be employed to serve as complementary staff or personnel. The same applies to the board itself. My congratulations go to those fortunate enough to secure these posts.
Let me conclude by congratulating in anticipation those that will serve on the board, the stakeholders' forum and the review committee, and wish them good luck. [Applause.]