A local contractor has asked professional organizations to be proactive in advising the government on matters impacting the Zambian construction industry, such as the Zambia Institute of Quantity Surveyors.
The board chair and founder of Tomorrow Investments Limited, CHANDA KATOTOBWE, believes that professional organizations like the Zambia Institute of Quantity Surveyors should be proactive in advising the government on issues affecting the construction sector in Zambia.
Mr. KATOTOBWE urged professional organizations and the academic community to actively participate in resolving contentious issues in the sector during his keynote address at the Zambia Institute of Quantity Surveyors Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Livingstone.
In addition, he stated that quantity surveyors, who are in charge of maintaining construction cost models, must participate in the current value for money talks.
The low market share of Zambian consultants and contractors—less than 10% by value—in comparison to foreign consultants and contractors—more than 90% by value—was lamented by Mr. KATOTOBWE, who is also a member of parliament for the Luapula Constituency.
In the meantime, Mr. KATOTOBWE has urged local businesses to participate in CSR as a method to raise their profile in the nation.
Eminent chartered quantity surveyors, representatives from Copperbelt University, the University of Zambia, and other parties involved in the construction industry all attended the conference.