Breaking Ground Case Study

Case Study 5: Integrating Compliance in Project Planning to Prevent Costly Delays

Construction site

Navigating Labour & Environmental Compliance for a Large-Scale Construction Project

Background

A major infrastructure developer faced regulatory setbacks while constructing a logistics hub. The project was halted due to non-compliance with South Africa’s environmental and labour laws, resulting in legal actions and financial penalties.

Challenges

  • Failure to incorporate environmental compliance (EIA approvals) into early-stage planning.
  • Labour unrest due to non-adherence to local hiring quotas and subcontractor regulations.
  • Increased project costs due to penalties and forced revisions to work plans.

Breaking Ground Solution

  • Conducted a Proactive Compliance Audit, identifying gaps in environmental and labour adherence before full-scale construction.
  • Developed a Regulatory Compliance Roadmap, embedding legal requirements into the project lifecycle.
  • Facilitated Stakeholder Engagement Sessions, aligning project objectives with community expectations and regulatory bodies.

Outcome

  • Regulatory approvals fast-tracked by six months, reducing potential project delays.
  • Labour disputes mitigated by integrating local workforce requirements early on.
  • Project cost savings of 15% by avoiding fines and unnecessary revisions.