Africa-Press – Zambia. President Lazarus Chakwera has challenged professional bodies in the country to help in fighting corruption by not arm-twisting public officers. Chakwera made the remarks Tuesday, when he opened this year’s Malawi Institute of Architects (MIA) conference in Mangochi District.
The President, who was installed MIA patron, described corruption as a major cause of substandard architectural works in the country. “The architectural designs in this country have been in a crisis for over three decades now. Malawi has become a nation that does not value architectural work.
“However, my administration will make sure that the construction industry is audited to avoid cutting corners,” he said.
He promised that he would promote architectural designs that were in line with laws that govern the construction industry in the country. Chakwera said his administration would ensure that all government departments were using professionals.
He committed that his administration would hugely involve architects and engineers when constructing twin towers which will house Office of the President and Cabinet officials. Another initiative that would require engineers and architects’ masterly is construction of the Judiciary complex in Lilongwe.
“You, as professionals, must resist inducements which can influence you to cut corners because the major source of substandard architectural work is corruption which happens between public officers and construction companies,” he said.
MIA President Tione Mughogho said the institute was willing to become one of Malawi’s key development agents. Mughogho cited the execution of the 2063 development agenda for Malawi as one of the major issues which require contribution from experts such as architects.
He, however, said architects’ training was costly. “It takes a lot of funds to train architects, such that we need the government’s support to help grow the profession. At the moment, we do not have our own offices although we are one of the oldest professional bodies in the country,” he said.
Mughogho said, by making Chakwera MIA patron, they were hopeful that the institute would closely work with the government to improve architectural designs in the country.
