EIZ HQ in the offing

The Engineering Institute of Zambia (EIZ) has begun the process of building its headquarters in Lusaka.

EIZ president Bernard Chiwala disclosed that the institute was raising K47 million that will be used to build the headquarters offices which will be situated near Arcades shopping mall.

Mr. Chiwala revealed this last evening at a media cocktail when he was making a presentation on the performance of the institute this year.

He further revealed that the contractor has already been paid part of the money and was on site.

EIZ president said the perimeter wall and the guard house have already been completed.

Journalists were informed that the two year-long project will be completed in 2016.

And Mr. Chiwala said the institute has further initiated the infrastructure report card that will be used to advise government where to channel resources for infrastructure development.

He stated that contracts have already been signed with consultants tasked to prepare the infrastructure report card.

Mr. Chiwala also disclosed that the first infrastructure report card will be ready in March next year with details showing the state of infrastructure in the country.

He said the report card will be vital in tracking infrastructure development across the country covering roads, schools, rural health centres and bridges among others.

Meanwhile, Mr. Chiwala said the EIZ was currently holding discussions with the Ministry of Agriculture on how the institute can contribute in encouraging irrigation.

He said the use of irrigation will help the country to produce crops throughout the year even when rains delay.

Mr. Chiwala pointed out that Zambia was endowed with plenty of water hence the need to take advantage of the abundance of this resource by using proven technologies.

And Mr. Chiwala said the institute will next year commerce the accreditation of all learning institution offering engineering course in the country.

He said the accrediting of institutions will help to monitor the professional development being offered to students.

Speaking at the same function, MISA Zambia Board Chairperson Hellen Mwale implored EIZ to consider introducing an award for journalists.

Ms. Mwale explained that the award will help to encourage journalists to take keen interest in reporting about engineering activities.

She thanked the media for reporting on and interpreting the work being done by the EIZ.

In passing a vote of thanks, EIZ vice president for Policy, Public Relations and National Development George Sitali thanked the media for the coverage the institute enjoyed in 2014.