Reported by: The Agency Media.
Date: 11th April, 2025.
Lusaka, Zambia.
In a decisive move to bolster transparency and efficiency in public infrastructure projects, Zambia has inaugurated the Zambia Institute of Quantity Surveyors (ZIQS), a professional body poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s construction landscape.
Established under Act No. 19 of 2024, ZIQS marks a strategic advancement in the government’s efforts to institutionalize best practices in the construction and infrastructure sectors. Speaking at the official launch, Engineer Clive Khan, Director of the Department of Public Infrastructure, emphasized that the institute’s formation goes beyond legislative formalities—it signifies the dawn of a professional era defined by accountability, competence, and prudent resource management.
“As Zambia accelerates its infrastructure development agenda, the role of quantity surveyors becomes increasingly vital,” Eng. Khan remarked, representing the Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Engineer Charles Milupi. “Quantity surveyors are not just cost consultants; they are guardians of public trust, ensuring that every kwacha spent delivers tangible value.”
Tasked with licensing practitioners, upholding ethical standards, and fostering continuous professional development, ZIQS is envisioned as a cornerstone of Zambia’s infrastructure ecosystem. Its creation aligns seamlessly with the goals of the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP), which prioritizes sustainable growth through quality infrastructure investments.
Eng. Khan highlighted President Hakainde Hichilema’s unwavering focus on timeliness, fiscal discipline, and quality assurance in public works. He challenged the newly formed institute to embody these principles and to inspire a culture of excellence across both public and private sector projects.
The launch event, hosted at the Intercontinental Hotel in Lusaka, drew a distinguished audience, including leaders from the Engineering Institute of Zambia, Zambia Institute of Architects, Zambia Institute of Planners, and the National Council for Construction. Their presence underscored the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration in advancing national development goals.
Eng. Khan further called upon ZIQS to prioritize mentorship and capacity building for young professionals, championing inclusive participation in Zambia’s infrastructure ventures. “This is your moment to lead boldly,” he urged. “The legacy you build today will define the trajectory of our nation’s infrastructure development for generations to come.”
Closing his address, Eng. Khan extended gratitude to Parliament, the President, and all stakeholders for their collective commitment to institutional reform. He described the launch of ZIQS as the embodiment of a shared vision for a future where infrastructure projects are delivered efficiently, transparently, and to the highest standards.
“This is more than the birth of an institute,” he concluded. “It is the beginning of a transformative journey—one that calls on all of us to construct a better Zambia, together.”
The Agency.