The Engineering Institute of Zambia (EIZ) says it is pleased with Government’s pronouncement to encourage the participation of Zambian Engineering Organizations and Professionals in the jobs being undertaken.
EIZ President Sydney Matamwandi says the policy on 20% contracting to local firms, the availability of finances through Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) and restrictions on issuing of Work Permits to foreigners who want to do jobs that can be done by locals are progressive policies that have brought immense benefits to your Citizens, including our members, especially in the SMEs category of business owners.
Mr. Matamwandi said this during the courtesy call by the engineering council on President Edgar Lungu, at State House in Lusaka today.
Mr. Matamwandi notes that whereas the massive Engineering Projects going on across the country have brought remarkable benefits to many, EIZ has noted with concern that some areas of the Engineering Sector have been adversely affected.
“A number of our members in the Contractor and Consultant category of membership have had to close their businesses because of not been paid for works done. In most cases, banks and bailiffs have repossessed assets from these firms, employees have gone for months without pay and companies have been ruined. We are nonetheless, encouraged by pronouncements from your Government that this matter is being looked at, and we look forward to positive results soon,” he said.
“We also wish to highlight one area of concern related to the future of Engineering. The standards of training at our Colleges and Universities are a source of worry. Class Sizes, inadequate training equipment; uncertainties over scholarships and the general breakdown of discipline by some students and Lecturers pose a specific threat to the future of the Country. Throughout history, nations that have outperformed others are those that invested in Science, Technology, Engineering and mathematics (STEM) and attracted the best the best and brightest to Engineering Field.”
Engineer Matamwandi has since encouraged a refocus on this area.
He said if Zambia aspires to outperform Africa, the country needs to look at the investment and focus on STEM.
“We also note that another area of the Engineering Sector, manufacturing is performing below par. EIZ encourages a relook at this problem. We encourage a coordinated strategy of industrialization and sustainable manufacturing premised on value addition to our raw materials, especially agricultural produce and minerals; focus on using local inputs; value chain approach to industry; use of appropriate technology, use of local skills and applying local technology, including reverse engineering wherever possible – all operating in a coherent policy framework,” he said.