Shaping Zambia's Infrastructure: The Vital Role of Quantity Surveyors in Addressing Construction Challenges**
Zambia’s construction industry, valued at USD 5.5 billion in 2023, faces deep-rooted challenges, and Dr. Francis Mwape Ndilila, Managing Partner at Ndilila Associates, Architects & Project Managers, is calling for urgent change.
"The industry is suffering from inefficiency, time and cost overruns, and compromised quality," Dr. Ndilila said at the recent Zambia Institute of Quantity Surveyors (ZIQS) conference.
He drew a compelling analogy: "The construction industry is like a symphony orchestra.
Architects, engineers, and quantity surveyors must play in harmony to deliver a successful project."
But too often, professionals work in silos, leading to fragmented results.
"When professionals don’t share ideas and information, projects suffer," Dr. Ndilila emphasized.
He advocates for an integrated approach, where professionals from all disciplines collaborate for excellence.
Dr. Ndilila also questioned the adequacy of the term
"quantity surveyor." "The role goes far beyond estimation—quantity surveyors are cost planners, project coordinators, and cost controllers," he stated.
"The title doesn't fully capture the broad responsibilities we shoulder."
He suggested a rethinking of the profession’s title to better reflect its expanded functions.
However, Dr. Ndilila’s concerns go beyond terminology.
"The construction sector in Zambia is plagued by lawlessness and inefficiency," he said.
"We see runaway contracts, cost overruns, time delays, and disputes."
He has long highlighted these issues, noting that they undermine the industry’s potential.
"We need stronger regulations and enforcement to address the lawlessness that persists in the sector," Dr. Ndilila asserted.
His remarks echoed those made by Vice President Mutale Nalumango and Minister of Infrastructure Charles Milupi at the recent Zambia Institute of Architects’ AGM.
Both leaders addressed the industry's persistent problems with time, cost, and quality.
"These are issues we all know but never take seriously," Dr. Ndilila said.
"It’s time for action. What are the plans to address them?"
Dr. Ndilila also raised a critical point: the limited benefits local professionals are receiving from Zambia’s construction boom.
"Foreign consultants and contractors dominate, while local professionals struggle to gain opportunities," he observed.
"This is a lost opportunity for Zambia. We need to ensure that our local talent benefits from the sector’s growth."
In light of these challenges, Dr. Ndilila called for a renewed focus on excellence, integrity, and leadership—qualities that should define Zambia’s construction professionals.
"This year's conference theme is spot on, but is it just rhetoric, or will we see real change?" he asked.
"The industry needs to move from talk to action."
Zambia’s infrastructure future depends on professionals working together and upholding high standards.
"If we want a successful future, collaboration is key," Dr. Ndilila said. "Let’s ensure our projects are built on integrity, leadership, and professionalism."
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