ABSTRACT
This section introduces the productivity of labour-intensive public works from an African perspective. The historical trend of productivity based on the gross domestic product is reviewed and the performance of the construction industry is analysed. The development of expanded public works programmes is also reviewed. The actual task output observed at the sites is established. Factors affecting the productivity of labour-intensive works are also evaluated. Other topics dealt with are challenges facing labour-intensive works, public works programmes and employment creation, and employment creation through labour-intensive works. Labour-intensive road construction in Africa was explored in conjunction with the adoption of a labour-intensive works programme. To determine the actual task output at construction sites, an assessment was made of the guidelines for task output used in road building. For example, researchers identified some of the factors influencing South African labour productivity, which they examined when conducting their study. Many aspects were involved in these processes: material handling, management, control, labour, external factors, equipment, and tools.
