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Emerging contractors have enjoyed greater privileges since the advent of the new South African dispensation. The state has put many resources, ranging from enabling legislative laws and regulations to the funding of training and development programmes, to assist these contractors. The intended outcomes, however, seemed to be elusive in government-funded projects. The business environment still poses some challenges to the emerging contractors; hence the question: Can built-environment professionals contribute to emerging contractor development? The purpose of this article is to indicate to what extent built-environment professionals can contribute towards contractor development within the existing contractual parameters. Although built environment professionals ensure that there are open communication channels between them and emerging contractors, there is some cause for concern regarding the effectiveness of written and graphic communication. Built-environment professionals do not necessarily spend much time in training emerging contractors, but more than normal time is given in inspecting work done by emerging contractors, even though building contracts do not make provision for this. The value of the findings outlined could assist in improving success through collaboration between project role players at minimal input costs.

The presence of Chinese construction companies working in Namibia has had an impact on the Namibian construction industry and the economy of the country. This article provides an overview of current trends and legislative acts relating to the construction industry in Namibia. It also describes the effect that Chinese construction companies have had on Namibian contractors and the tender opportunities available to these local contractors, and analyses to what extent Chinese construction companies comply with the various acts relating to the construction industry; as perceived by construction industry stakeholders. A questionnaire survey was conducted among Namibian contractors and building professionals and the results revealed that Chinese construction companies dominate and have a negative effect on local Small and Micro Enterprises (SMEs). Some of the Chinese contractors are being awarded tenders without having complied with the tender regulations set by the Tender Board.

Over recent years storm water attenuation policy has become a contentious issue for the property development community, both locally and internationally. Increased urbanisation has forced municipal authorities to reconsider the role of storm water management in an evolving urban landscape. It is within this context that the legislative support and municipal policy for storm watermanagement in the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) has been considered, with direct regard to the perceived economic impact of storm water policy on private property developers. Factors considered included the cost, risk, and time factors of policy compliance within the development process.Research of international policy implementation issues in countries with welldeveloped storm water management frameworks formed the basis for the design of a questionnaire to evaluate the response of local private property developers to the relevant issues.Results of the research indicated that developers had a below average level of knowledge with regard to the storm water management policy of the CoJ, as well as of the underlying supporting legislation. The results of the survey further indicated that developers were strongly opposed to the loss of developable area, but indicated a limited financial impact of the current storm waterattenuation policy. The risk element inherent in incorporating attenuation facilities within a development was identified as being low, with little perceived impact, while indications highlighted the inclusion of attenuation facilities as a significant contributing factor in the delay of approval and acceptance of new developments. The additional maintenance costs associated withattenuation facility inclusion were indicated to be of a low level of importance to developers.

Asset management involves the management of immovable assets throughout itswhole life cycle. This article presents the findings of research on the challenges facingNational Government on the management of its immovable assets. The researchcontemplates the management of government immovable assets throughout itswhole life cycle, the importance of an asset register as well as an immovable assetmanagement plan. The primary data was collected by means of conductinginterviews with government department personnel to reveal the strengths andweaknesses of the current theories and models within the government departments.Secondary data was obtained from the literature reviewed in relevant publications.The main findings were that the National Department of Public Works (NDPW) iscurrently ineffective in asset life cycle management, there is no clarity on theexistence of an immovable asset management plan and that there is an urgentneed for competent personnel with adequate skills to verify, capture and correctproperty data in an effective asset register.

The article aims to determine the challenges faced by newly established quantity surveying firms (NEQSFs) in securing tenders in South Africa. A quantitative research approach was implemented in the study which included a literature review and a questionnaire survey to identify the barriers experienced by NEQSFs. The results revealed that the specific challenges faced by NEQSFs are political influence and corruption in the awarding of tenders, excessive discounting of professional fees, and favouring large and established firms over NEQSFs. This article is relevant, as it contributes to the understanding of key challenges faced by NEQSFs and reveals gaps to be filled in order to position these new firms on a higher platform to be able to operate within the profession. Furthermore, it also demonstrates to potential entrepreneurs the importance of considering these challenges in the start-up and growth of their businesses.