Construction Bill ready for Parliament
Baboki Kayawe | Friday August 26, 2016 15:18
After several promises to have the bill in Parliament did not materialise, the industry is pinning hopes on the next.
On the sidelines of a sectoral workshop on Thursday focusing on innovative ways of growth, chairman of the Citizen Contractors Association, Michael Moji said industry regulation was long over due.
“We hope the upcoming law, which, would see the industry self regulating would address a number of challenges we are currently facing for instance lack of government support towards local contractors,” Moji said.
Once passed, the Act will provide a conducive environment for the industry.
A construction authority shall be set up, which will consist of a disciplinary committee.
According to the draft bill, this committee will respond to matters relating to the construction industry and adjudicate accordingly after investigating the matter.
“The disciplinary committee shall hear complaints by or against contractors or any general member.
'It shall also consider defendants' response on matters relating to the construction industry and if found guilty, may acquit or sanction upon any contractor or general member including, without limitation, the giving of warnings, imposition of conditions of a fine, suspension from the authority and expulsion from the authority, having due investigation process as per this Act,” it says.
Complaints of misconduct against contractors including but not limited to disregard to contractual obligations, dishonest behaviour, non-compliance with contract specifications, employee welfare, safety and health, poor quality of workmanship, use of inferior materials and many others would be registered with the Authority.
Upon complaint receipts, the matter shall be referred to the committee.
The document also contains provisions of registration of contractors as well as conditions under which a contractor could be de-registered and restoration clauses.
Meanwhile, financial experts at the innovation workshop have noted proper regulation of the sector.
This could translate into positive narratives about investment in construction business in the country, to unlock potential for higher economic activity, chief among these being employment creation, which, the country is at pains to create.
Moreover, well-structured frameworks on public private partnerships in project implementation were highly commended as key to unlocking the industry’s potential.
It is also hoped that regulation efforts are fundamental to the growth of the construction industry, as that would avail critical tools and necessary checks and balances to ensure that the critical elements, which support professionalism by consultants and contractors, are adhered to.