Africa-Press – Eswatini. Minister of Public Works and Transport Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe has officially commissioned the Engineers, Surveyors and Allied Professionals (AESAP) third board council.
He said there was a need for the country to reduce reliance on migrant workers.
The minister said this during the commissioning of the third registration of AESAP council yesterday at a meeting held at Sibane Hotel. The council will be in office for a period of three years.
He said even though it was true that the country still sought expertise outside the borders, there was a need to move away from outsourcing construction services that could be otherwise acquired within the country.
“The only way to do that is by ensuring that we produce unmatched qualities of skilled professionals within our borders,” he said.
Ndwandwe also stated that there was a great need to enhance the environmental sustainability of the built environment sector, especially in the face of the serious threat posed by climate change.
“This will enable us to be more resilient to future challenges such as floods, storms or strong winds that may come our way, consequently ensuring a more productive and sustainable built environment sector. It is for this reason that the issue of assessments cannot be taken lightly,” he said.
The minister further stated that skills development was essential as it attracted new talent and investments, therefore stimulating job creation in the country.
He mentioned that they were hopeful that institutions of higher learning in the country, corporate businesses, as well as the banking sector would all contribute to alleviate the critical skills shortage and financial challenges facing the construction sector.
Grateful
The minister also congratulated the new council and said they were grateful and excited to have a group of professionals with remarkable track records to make up the council and bring unique talents, expertise and perspectives.
He added that AESAP was faced with the challenge of lack of funding and limited resources which was worsened by the stakeholders’ resistance or unawareness of the law. He said this had deferred the implementation of the council’s strategic plan as most of the action plans require finances.
“However, as things stand, almost everyone is now aware of this legislation and council is expected to hit the ground running and intensify compliance with the Act. This will enable council to efficiently meet its objectives,” he said.
The minister said as a ministry, they were committed to continue supporting the mandate of the council. “We count on you as we all strive to actively promote a vibrant, transformed and competitive construction sector that provides services that are at par with international standards,” concluded the minister.
The Council Chairperson Ramford Zwane, who has served in all three councils since inception and led the organisation as Chairperson was represented by Sidumo Dlamini who is a member of the Board. He thanked the ministry and his council members for the appointment and stated that he had no doubt that they would collectively rise to the occasion and serve the council as best they could.
“We will be doing all this while being fully conscious of the responsibilities bestowed upon us as stipulated in the Registration Council of Architects, Engineers, Surveyors and Allied Professionals Act No. 15 of 2013, particularly with regards to the functions of the council as per the provisions of this piece of legislation,” he said.
Zwane affirmed his position and assured the minister that the council would uphold this position and work with utmost diligence, professionalism and integrity in the execution of its duties.
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