Ensuring a Workforce Was Ready for a Rural Infrastructure Project
Background
An international engineering firm won a contract to construct a highway in a remote part of South Africa. Despite having extensive experience in infrastructure development, the firm’s operational teams were unprepared for local execution challenges, including supply chain disruptions, workforce retention issues, and security risks.
Challenges
- Difficulty in securing and maintaining reliable local subcontractors.
- Lack of understanding of regional supply chain limitations, leading to material shortages.
- Increased security risks due to community tensions over employment opportunities.
Breaking Ground Solution
- Conducted a Local Market Assessment, mapping available subcontractors, suppliers, and workforce talent pools.
- Established a Supply Chain Risk Mitigation Plan, incorporating alternative sourcing strategies and buffer stock recommendations.
- Developed a Community Integration Strategy, ensuring employment, procurement, and communication plans aligned with local stakeholder expectations.
Outcome
- Improved local procurement processes
- Improved workforce stability, decreasing employee turnover by 40%.
- Prevented community resistance, ensuring smooth project execution without disruptions.