In the absence of regulation, anyone could claim to be an electrical or mechanical engineer and then practice without verification of the individual's qualifications, the association noted. AEMCB resolved that to allow this situation to continue would be wrong and unethical because it posed a danger to people's lives and brought the credibility of the industry down. The organisation was particularly worried that while other countries in southern Africa had long had legislation to curb 'backyard engineering', Botswana still lagged behind in that aspect. These uncertified engineers went around providing their service cheaply while no one was there to monitor their operations. The outgoing chairman of the association, Justice Moilwa expressed concern that their members were bystanders as unknown players took centre stage in the booming construction industry, especially in the Greater Gaborone metropolis.
"We have never witnessed so much construction of multi-storey buildings in Gaborone as we see today," Moilwa said.
