BY BENEDICT TEMBO
THE Engineering Institution of Zambia (EIZ) has urged Government to embrace its expert advice on pertinent issues affecting the nation such as floods, poor drainages and road works.
EIZ president Abel Ng’andu says the engineering council has continued to engage government over a number of issues that are of engineering interest such as the current floods the country is experiencing, poor drainages and road networks.
“We are constantly giving guidance and making recommendations that are somethimes not effected. if we are to achieve bigger dreams, grow our economy; government needs to start listening to us,” Mr Ng’andu says .
During the EIZ Southern Region annual general meeting in Lusaka on Saturday, Mr Ng’andu said climate change has continued to confront the continent, and zambia has not been spared.
” We need climate-resilient infrastructure to withstand the pressures it brings,” he said
Mr Ng’andu told minister of Environment and Green Economy that as his ministry formulates and reviews policies and legislation on green economy and climate change, they should engage the EIZenvironmental engineering professionals.
” Engineers have much to offer in the policy- making process, as well as technical knowledge. Engineers can design and deliver projects that work and provide whole-systems analysis to predict the consequences of policy decisions,” he said .
Mr Ng’andu said in line with the EIZ mandate, they will give expert advice, technical expertise and ensure that the engineering works being carried out are of good quality and acceptable standards.
He also said the EIZ has continued to actively engage and pursue the accreditation to the international engineering alliance.
Mr Ng’andu said the process has reached an advanced stage after meeting with its lead mentor and the senior executives of the Engineering Council of the South African board.
“This will raise our education and engineering standards as well as enable our engineering professionals practice across the globe,” he said
And Mr Nzovu commended the EIZ for its consistent lead role in promoting the engineering profession in the country and ensuring quality and good standards in engineering works.
Mr Nzovu said the EIZ is the voice of the institution that is necessary to protect the public, maintain public confidence, and set and uphold professional standards as well as control risks that lead to societal problems.
“As government, we pledge to support the EIZ as a respected and reliable source of advice and guidance on strategies and policies that use engineering and technology for the benefit of human development and wellbeing as well as sustainable development,” he said
Mr Nzovu said for Zambia to continue to survive and succeed, to defy the odds of history and for its people to always have a better life the engineering capabilities will be key.
