‘Engineers key to Africa’s resilience’
DAR ES SALAAM: AFRICA’S engineers have been urged to redesign roads, transport systems and water infrastructure to withstand floods and droughts as the continent prepares for a developing El Niño that forecasters say could bring more extreme weather in the months ahead.
Zanzibar Second Vice-President Hemed Suleiman Abdulla made the call yesterday while opening the 12th UNESCO Africa Engineering Week and the 10th Pan-African Engineering Conference in Dar es Salaam.
He said engineering leadership will play a decisive role in protecting communities from climate-related disasters while safeguarding Africa’s economy.
“Climate change is another area where engineering leadership is indispensable,” Mr Hemed said.
He added: “Across Africa, communities are already experiencing the consequences of changing weather patterns, including floods, droughts, rising temperatures and other climate-related disruptions. Our infrastructure must therefore be designed differently.”
Mr Hemed urged engineers to apply their expertise to developing resilient roads, transport systems, climate-smart water infrastructure, renewable energy projects, sustainable cities, efficient buildings and innovative waste management systems.
The second VP further said sustainability should become a core principle of engineering practice to ensure infrastructure can withstand increasingly frequent natural disasters.
“Sustainable practices must move from being an inspiration to becoming a fundamental principle of engineering practice,” he said.
He said the call aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which seeks to build an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa driven by its own citizens.
Zanzibar’s efforts, Mr Hemed pointed to strategic investments aimed at strengthening economic resilience and improving public services.
These include the construction of the Mangapwani Multipurpose Port, the expansion of Abeid Amani Karume International Airport through Terminal Three, as well as investments in water security and renewable energy.
He said such projects demonstrate how engineering can improve livelihoods while preparing communities to cope with future climate challenges.
The Second VicePresident also called for greater participation of women and young professionals in the engineering sector, saying Africa cannot achieve sustainable development without fully utilising its talent.
