On-site Labour Productivity Modalities for Small and Medium Enterprises to Enhance SustainableConstructionProject Delivery in the Western Cape Province of South Africa

The research, titled “On-site Labour Productivity Modalities for Small and Medium Enterprises to Enhance Sustainable Construction Project Delivery in the Western Cape Province of South Africa”, investigates how Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) contractors can improve on-site labour productivity to promote sustainable construction project delivery. The study addresses the high failure rate (70–80%) of SME contractors in South Africa, largely attributed to low productivity, poor resource management, and ineffective site practices. Using a quantitative research approach, data were collected through an online questionnaire distributed to SME contractors registered under the Construction Industry Development Board (cidb) Grades 1–6 in the General Building category within the Western Cape. Statistical analyses, including Mean Value, Relative Importance Index (RII), Factor Analysis, and Cronbach’s Alpha, were conducted using SPSS to assess perceptions, challenges, and productivity enhancement modalities. The findings reveal that continuous training, skilled labour development, effective supervision, compliance with Safety, Health, Environment and Quality (SHEQ) standards, technology adoption (Construction 5.0 practices), proper site layout planning, and efficient material and equipment management significantly enhance on-site labour productivity. The study concludes that improving labour productivity strengthens SME contractor sustainability and contributes to economic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainable construction project delivery.