Surveyors told to embrace technology
DODOMA: QUANTITY Surveyors in the country have been urged to sharpen their skills and embrace new technologies to remain competitive and enhance their role in the construction sector.
The call was made yesterday in Dodoma by the Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Works, Dr Charles Msonde, who represented the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, while opening the 31st Annual General Meeting of the Tanzania Institute of Quantity Surveyors (TIQS), which also featured a Professional Development Seminar
“This will enable you to increase competitiveness, build confidence in service delivery and provide better contribution to both local and international projects. With your expertise, the construction sector stands to achieve great success,” Dr Msonde said.
The meeting, themed ‘‘Bridging the gaps: Policy collaborative practice and innovation in the construction industry ‘, aims to strengthen the profession and significantly contribute to national development.
Dr Msonde highlighted the government’s recognition of the crucial role played by quantity surveyors in planning, advising and controlling costs in construction projects, stressing that integrity and professionalism remain vital to ensure value for money for citizens.
“Your expertise in contracts and value-for-money supervision ensures that projects are completed on time, meet required quality standards and at reasonable costs. I urge you to continue adhering to professional standards,” he noted.
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Citing flagship projects, Dr Msonde pointed out that the sixth-phase government has continued to engage quantity surveyors in implementing major undertakings, including the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP), roads and government buildings.
However, he stressed the need to expand their participation in all infrastructure projects to increase efficiency and minimise unnecessary costs.
Dr Msonde further commended government institutions that employ registered quantity surveyors such as the CAG, PCCB, TANROADS, TARURA, NHC, SUMA JKT and TBA for ensuring effective project delivery.
He also emphasised the importance of TIQS forging partnerships with both local and international institutions to learn new technologies, noting that the government has already amended the Architects and Quantity Surveyors Registration Board (AQRB) Act of 2023 to broaden the scope of professional participation in the construction sector.
“These reforms will enhance the efficiency of your services and increase your contribution to national development,” he added.
For his part, TIQS President Mr Bernard Ndakidemi underscored the need for local institutions to utilise home-grown expertise in collaboration with foreign professionals to boost efficiency and strengthen the profession.
“We urge the government not to hesitate in employing more of these professionals in its institutions. This is a noble profession that is highly regarded worldwide,” said Mr Ndakidemi, who also serves as Vice-President of the Association of African Quantity Surveyors (AAQS) – East Africa Region.
He added that the AQRB continues to play a crucial role in regulating and registering the profession on behalf of the government, thereby safeguarding integrity and standards in the sector.
“This board is very important in ensuring that only qualified professionals undertake this work. We commend it for the great achievements recorded so far,” he said.
The meeting is expected to deliberate on key issues including policy reforms, establishment of a Building Act, adoption of new technologies, professional collaboration and mental health, with stakeholders being urged to actively engage in reforms to make the construction sector modern, competitive and productive.
