South Africa: HIV Rates Hamper World Cup Preparations

Construction firms in South Africa are facing shortfalls of local engineers and technicians to work on buildings for nine 2010 FIFA World Cup host cities, according to the Jan. 25 issue of New Civil Engineer magazine.

Under a government pledge that the event would help socially marginalized citizens, the firms are required to hire locals. However, the high HIV rate among students threatens to stifle the engineering field just as it is set to boom, several engineering consultants said on condition of anonymity. This further challenges companies already facing stiff competition for skilled workers, who can earn better salaries in Dubai or China.

The Global Business Coalition estimates just 15 percent of South African construction firms have HIV policies. New Civil Engineer reports that many of the firms are also failing to educate workers about HIV or provide adequate health support.

The stadium and infrastructure projects will cost £21 billion ($41.1 billion US). World Cup organizers assure that tournament preparations are on schedule.

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