Importance of Building Regulations to Industrial Development Prepared for the BCO 2014 T. Demana

Structure of the Presentation Industrial Policy NBRBS Act Industry support through Building Regulations NBRBS Review Conclusions

Industrial Policy The Department of Trade and industry is responsible for implementing industrial policy Flagship programme is Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP) The technical quality infrastructure that we simply refer to as “technical infrastructure” is a key tool in industrial policy The National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act work forms part of this infrastructure

Technical Infrastructure framework

Importance of Technical Infrastructure Standards, quality assurance, accreditation and metrology activities are instrumental in developing and growing manufacturing capabilities (industrial policy). They are an objective measure of competitiveness of firms based on their products or services. They provide, usually as mandatory regulations, risk based requirements for the protection of health, safety, environment and the consumer. Thus a vital link to market access and global trade.

6 National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, 103 of 1977 The Act is administered by the NRCS and its purpose is to - promote uniformity in the law relating to the erection of buildings - for the prescribing of building standards - require that building be approved by local authorities prior to erections - require local authorities to employ building control officers - establishes an appeal mechanism against decisions of local authorities

NBR as Vehicle for Safety and Industry development Safety Advancing manufacturing capabilities

Review of NBRBS Act The Act was promulgated in 1977, 37 years ago Substantial development in South Africa since - 75% of population is now urbanized, in % were in rural areas - there are 278 municipalities covering the country - the population is now around 54 million people this year - a number of new legislation including municipal municipal systems, town planning, water acts etc, may not be aligned. The current SA landscape, including the informal settlements, require changes in this Act

Why Review the NBRBS Act The NBRBS system is very fragmented, various departments and organs of state have roles that at times are not optimized. Local Authorities do not necessarily have similar reporting structures, thus appointment of Building Control Officer by the Minister of Trade and Industry challenging Some Local Authorities are increasingly being challenged in implementing the regulations – skills and capacity sometime an issue. The regulations seem to indicate that work undertaken by the state is exempt.

Process of Review The department is drafting terms of reference covering - requirements of the building and construction industry - evaluating effective of current legislation - evaluating the role of agencies such as SABS, Agrement Board, NRCS, CBE, CSIR, CIDB, SALGA and NHBRC. -requirements including skills and other resources for effectiveness - coordination mechanism across government departments The terms of reference will be used to consult with government stakeholders, then industry BCO members are considered government stakeholders so they are fist in line for consultations, NRCS will advise

Conclusion The NBRBS Act is an important instrument for industrial policy and maintenance of safety in the country The department is keen to see the Act implemented as well as it can Therefore the department is ready to bring the Act, with your help, up to date.

Thank you for attention.