Construction sector forced to rely on imported labour

At last the authorities seem to have woken from a long and deep slumber to the persistent and significant shortage of skilled workers hampering the progress of the construction sector.

Ministry of Housing, Construction and Water Supply, Secretary Kumudu Lal Bogahawatta said last week that officials of major construction companies had sought permission from the Ministry to import around 7,500 workers to meet the growing demand for construction work.

The demand for workers has risen sharply after the recent natural devastation that has necessitated reconstruction and renovation work in the country.

Bogahawatta said that there has been a mismatch between demand for work and the acute dearth of skilled staff in the sector.

The significant gap in the number of workers as seen by industry experts is a major hurdle to growth and project completion.

The issue has been driven by several factors, including professional migration and a lack of local talent development.

A “brain drain” occurs as top engineers and skilled labourers such as masons and carpenters seek better wages and opportunities in the Middle East and other foreign markets.

Poor working conditions including low wages in Sri Lanka such as demanding and hazardous nature of the work (long hours, unsafe sites), lack of career paths have been factors that draw people to other high paying markets overseas.

Lack of interest among youth in joining the construction sector due to low social status and image, despite efforts by the government and private sector to provide training and financial instability when crises hit to have dissuaded workers to remain in the sector.

Chamber of Construction Industry of Sri Lanka Secretary General / Chief Executive Officer Nissanka Wijeratne said project payment delays have led to financial distress for construction companies and workers, causing many to leave the sector or the country entirely.

He said the scarcity of labour leads to project delays, increased operational costs, and an inability to meet deadlines.

The CCI has been cautioning the dire consequences of shortage of skilled worker for large-scale projects that would eventually lead to relying on foreign workers, which increases overall construction costs and presents challenges in adhering to local employment regulations.

According to a survey cited by the Housing Ministry Secretary currently around 10,000 vacancies exist in the construction industry.

Source: Sunday Observer