We hosted a successful branch function in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN)on the 9th of April, bringing together key voices in the engineering and infrastructure space to tackle urgent challenges facing the province. Our President David Leukes, also the MD of BVi Consulting Engineers, emphasised the critical need for a more proactive, life-cycle approach to infrastructure maintenance in the wake of recurring floods. “Much of our infrastructure, designed for past climate conditions, is now buckling under the pressure of extreme weather,” he said. Our KZN Branch Chairperson Sagren Narasimulu, also the MD of Makhaotse, Narasimulu and Associates, echoed this urgency, highlighting the billions lost to flood damage and the strain on roads, bridges, and water systems. Sagren concluded with a critical question: “Are we doing enough to ensure that our infrastructure is built to withstand evolving climate challenges?”

Our member firms and clients, as well as media, were also addressed by Simon Scruton, the Deputy Head of the Engineering and Data Services Department at the eThekwini Municipality, who discussed the ‘eThekwini Water & Sanitation Strategy’. The event made it clear: collaboration, enhancing skills development, and smart infrastructure planning are essential to building a resilient and future-ready KZN. Our CEO Christopher Campbell reaffirmed that the time for piecemeal solutions was over, and what is needed is a coordinated, long-term commitment to infrastructure planning, funding, and maintenance for the province and for South Africa.

Thank you to all of the representatives from our member firms, young professionals, clients and other key stakeholders, as well as the media, for attending today’s event. Eastern Cape – we are headed your way on the 7th of May for our next branch function, and Gauteng, we will see you on the 20th of May! For more information email godfrey@cesa.co.za.