Surveying experts call for registration of SIZ

Surveying experts call for registration of SIZ
By Fridah Zinyama
Wednesday February 28, 2007 [02:00]

SOME surveying experts have called for the registration of the Surveyor’s Institute of Zambia (SIZ) if the profession is to offer quality services to the public. And Quantity Surveyors Registration Board (QSRB) has warned all unregistered firms or individual surveyors of legal action if they continue conducting business illegally.

The experts, who sought anonymity, expressed concern that despite the country having 30 registered quantity surveyors and 40 registered valuation surveyors, a regulatory body mandated to promote professionalism had not yet been registered. “Over 200 of us are unregistered despite meeting the qualifications of a bachelor’s degree with at least two years local professional experience,” the experts complained.

They said it was surprising that some surveyors had found it easier to get registered abroad than in their own country. “Therefore, out of frustration we have left the country to practise abroad and sacrificed our right to registration in our own country,” they said.

According to the surveyors, it was now common to hear of stories of trained, seasoned and vibrant surveyors turned insurance brokers, bankers, journalists or engineers in order to run away from the man-made frustrations in the surveying profession. “The current Quantity and Valuation Surveyors Registration Board Act does not protect the interests of unregistered surveyors,” the experts said. “Therefore, an independent surveying Act is fundamental to granting constitutional protection of unregistered surveying against unfair and unjust treatment whether registered or not.”

They also added that there was urgent need to enact a law to regulate conditions of service for surveyors. “The amendment of the act will help to protect graduate surveyors from the mushrooming casualisation in the country,” the surveyors said.

And QSRB registrar Kelvin Mulalelo said it had come to their attention that some unregistered firms were engaged or undertaking quantity surveying and construction cost consultancy. “These firms or the individuals involved are not registered by the board to undertake any quantity or construction cost consultancy,” Mulalelo said. “The board warns that it is an offence under the sub-section 21 (2) of the quantity surveyors Act cap 37 of 1995 of the Laws of Zambia for non-registered person or firm to engage in these services.”

Mulalelo said legal proceedings would be taken against anyone found contravening the Act.