Women in Construction: Alida

Alida Bruwer , completed her BEng Civil Engineering degree at The University of Pretoria in 2015 and joined the ASLA Construction: Civils team in 2017. Her current responsibilities include contract administration and quantity surveying for several civil construction projects across ASLA’s operational footprint.  

What does an average day look like for you? 

“I start my day on site, catching up on emails and site administration. We (the construction manager, contract manager and I) have strategy sessions to discuss the programme and whether we are on track, and we do a site walk-through to conduct team productivity checks. Some days there are meetings with the client and Engineer, or internal ASLA meetings where we discuss costing etc. At the end of the month, I measure all site progress for payment certificates. There isn’t really a typical day though – as in this industry one needs to be quite agile and responsive, so you could also find me in the car traveling between sites if I am needed there.” 

What is your favourite, and least favourite part of the job? 

“My favourite part is the interesting people I get to meet, as well as working in different areas that I wouldn’t necessarily have gone to, if my job didn’t take me there. My least favourite part is when we work on projects situated a substantial distance from home, where one has to sleep out, thus diminishing quality time with friends and family. 

“While working in a male dominated field can sometimes be challenging, here at ASLA I have never felt like I am treated as anything less. Everyone here gets treated with the respect they deserve and that accounts for the good team spirit on site.” 

 What do you enjoy about your career in construction? 

“Highlights are being able to work outdoors; regularly meeting new people; and the constant challenges and daily problem solving – I enjoy having to apply my mind in innovative ways and will continue to challenge myself and grow further in my career. 

“As I am not from the Western Cape, each place that I go to is new and exciting. I’ve now been to some amazing places on the West Coast, including Lambertsbay, Strandfontein and Dooringbaai. I’ve worked in Loeriesfontein in the Northern Cape, Ceres, Clanwilliam, Citrusdal, Vredendal, and a bit closer to home in Stellenbosch. 

"Another highlight is working in these rural communities and leaving them with infrastructure that can improve their lives.” 

Who would you like to give a shout out to this Women’s Month? 

“My mom, who always inspires me to work hard and give nothing but my best.”