Engineers challenged to catalyze Grow Zambia Agenda
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Top StoriesGovernment has urged engineers to play a pivotal role in contributing to the achievement of the Grow Zambia Agenda through quality infrastructure development. Ministry of Infrastructure and Urban Development Permanent Secretary Albert Malama, said infrastructure remains a key…
Government has urged engineers to play a pivotal role in contributing to the achievement of the Grow Zambia Agenda through quality infrastructure development.
Ministry of Infrastructure and Urban Development Permanent Secretary
Albert Malama, said infrastructure remains a key driver of economic growth, and engineers are at the centre of delivering the projects that will transform the country.
Mr Malama said this when he officiated at the second annual public forum for the Association of Consulting Engineers of Zambia (ACEZ) on construction contracts held at Urban Hotel in Lusaka.
He said the government recognises the important role that professional bodies such as ACEZ play in supporting national development, and values their expertise and technical guidance in the infrastructure sector.
“Government recognises the important role that professional bodies such as the Association of Consulting Engineers of Zambia play in supporting national development, and values their expertise and technical guidance,” Mr Malama said.
He noted that the successful delivery of infrastructure requires collaboration, mutual understanding and clearly defined responsibilities among different stakeholders.
Mr Malama commended ACEZ for bringing together engineers, lawyers, quantity surveyors, architects, procurement specialists and contractors to discuss the distinctive nature of construction contracts.
He said challenges in the construction industry cannot be addressed by one profession in isolation, and the forum had created an opportunity for a more balanced and holistic discussion.
“A project can encounter serious challenges if the contractual arrangements are poorly understood or inadequately administered,” Mr Malama said.
He cited issues relating to risk allocation, payment obligations, variations, extensions of time, design responsibilities and dispute resolution as having significant implications on project delivery and quality.
Mr Malama urged engineers to appreciate the distinctive nature of construction contracts, as this will ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget and to the required quality key to achieving the Grow Zambia Agenda.
The forum was held under the ACEZ core values of transparency, accountability, dynamism, innovation, equity and sustainability.
Meanwhile ACEZ president Trephor Musonda appreciated government for the support shown to the association.
He said the association was encouraged to receive positive response from government to officiate the event.
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