This is the view of Brent Harris, founder and managing director of Vela Building Solutions, a pioneer and lead player in the application of sustainable ABT construction methods and systems as a faster and more cost-effective alternative to traditional bricks and mortar.

Measures to deal with living conditions in mining communities was a key aspect of a socio-economic action package announced by the President yesterday (17 October 2012) after a follow-up Social Dialogue Meeting between government, business, labour, and community organisations on the state of the economy.

"Given the sense of urgency expressed by the President, and taking into account the current state of the economy, cost and speed of construction will inevitably be the key factors (alongside quality) in any action the mining industry takes in response to the government's clarion call on housing," says Brent.

"Meanwhile, there is a steadily growing groundswell of State and public sector demand in South Africa for Vela's Modular solutions to the delivery of economic and affordable housing, as well as other forms of human settlement-associated infrastructure - such as schools, clinics, offices and retail premises," says Brent.

So much so that the company recently doubled its production capacity by moving to a 7 500 sqm new manufacturing complex in Alrode, Alberton.

The benefits of ABT construction in the human settlement arena – including cost and time efficiency, durability, and skills development – remain largely untapped in South Africa, says Brent.

"The biggest issue with using traditional construction methods is that there is too much reliance on the skills of the builder. ABT's ensure uniformity and more consistency on the final product," he adds.