NCIC hails resolutions of the annual construction conference

Stakeholders in the construction industry have recommended that local councils and regulatory bodies must be pro-active, alert and adaptable to changing climate to help in achieving quality and resilient infrastructure in Malawi.
This is part of resolutions made at the end of the three-day 7th international construction conference held in Mangochi from 7-9 August, under the theme; Innovate, Adapt and Excel; a Quality Driven Construction Industry.
The conference organised by the National Industry Construction Council-NCIC attracted local and international delegates with a purpose of sharing experiences, tease out solutions to challenges facing the industry and brainstorm on solutions to attain the SDGs and the Malawi Agenda 2063.
“Professionals in the country (Architects and engineers) must design quality and resilience infrastructure that would stand the test of time and last generations to come; that is environmentally friendly and sustainable; infrastructure which is aesthetically appealing and would change the landscape of the country and our cities in Malawi,” reads the communique.
It adds, “Professional Boards must develop codes of ethics, best practices and they should monitor and discipline professionals who contravene the laws, codes of ethics and best practices. Every person, client, contractor, consultants, financiers have a role to play in ensuring the delivery of quality and resilience infrastructure in Malawi. This can be done by resisting and saying no to corruption; mind-set change.”
At the end of the conference, NCIC Chief Executive Officer Gerald Khonje hailed delegates and various facilitators for what he termed as productive discussions which focused on the conference theme and objectives.
“The conference has achieved its primary objectives, the discussions were overwhelming, interesting and thought provoking and will definitely transform how we do things in the construction industry. There was serious engagements with various stakeholders including financial institutions, project implementing agencies and government departments,” said Khonje.
He further observed that the local industry has the capacity to develop the country, transform and build quality infrastructure using locally produced construction materials which can enhance import substitution in the country.
The communique further proposes development of laws and policies which will encourage manufacturing of products within the country and endorsement of standards to make the products worthwhile of uptake into the market.
Speaking at the conference, Standard Bank Malawi Chief Executive Phillip Madinga challenged construction players both corporate and SMEs to utilize funding opportunities from the bank to develop the country.
“Standard Bank is financing various infrastructure projects, provide advisory services on financial management as well as providing guarantees, bid bonds and performance bonds to SMEs and small-scale contractors” explained Madinga.
Some of the Standard Bank financed projects include the expansion of Kenyatta drive in Blantyre and Mzimba Street in Lilongwe, through a public private sector partnership with the government.
On the other hand, FDH Financial Holdings CEO William Mpinganjira advised small scale contractors to focus on smaller projects to build their capacity and confidence for financing.
“Many small-scale contractors are impatient and want to get big jobs beyond their risks sharing capacity. However, we assure them that FDH offers financing opportunities for infrastructure contracts with a goal of developing the country” said Mpinganjira.
Some of the FDH financed projects include the Malawi Fertiliser Company in Liwonde, Zomba stadium and various road construction projects.
During the official opening of the conference, Minister of Transport Jacob Hara admitted the dilapidated road network across the country and assured the delegates that the government is geared to improve the situation.
Hara encouraged construction players to enter into public private partnerships on various infrastructure projects to access adequate financing and deliver quality projects that withstand natural disasters and other occurrences.