Minister challenges engineers to explain projects

SIMON MUNTEMBA writes

THE Engineering Institution of Zambia (EIZ) must be proactive in explaining technical features associated with various infrastructure projects government is putting up across the country to avoid misinformation, says Housing and Infrastructure Development Minister, Ronald Chitotela.

Mr Chitotela said it was sad that government had on several occasions been unfairly criticized for constructing various projects by some people who lacked the technical information.

He, therefore, challenged the EIZ to be proactive in explaining technical features associated with various infrastructure projects government is putting up across the country.

“I am challenging EIZ to be proactive in explaining technical features associated with various infrastructure projects the government is putting up across the country to avoid government being unfairly criticize by some people who have no technical information,” Mr Chitotela said.

He cited the issue of the Michael Chilufya Sata Toll Plaza on the Ndola – Kitwe dual carriageway as one project which some people raised concerns on with regard to the cost of constructing it.

Mr Chitotela said government expected the EIZ to defend the engineering profession by providing factual technical information on various projects government was constructing.

The Minister said the EIZ should rise to the occasion and highlight technical facts associated with all infrastructure projects government was undertaking.

 He also urged the institute to uphold professionalism and ethics among all its members.

Meanwhile, EIZ Vice president Eugene Haazele said the institution was aware that there was lack of knowledge among some people on most projects’ government was putting up especially roads.

Mr Haazele said EIZ would rise to the occasion and ensure the people were furnished with the correct technical features associated with various infrastructure projects government was putting up across the country.