Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon Gary Nkombo, MP, has challenged engineers to partner with Government in exploring more nature-based solutions aimed at enhancing disaster preparedness and response in the face of Climate Change affecting the Globe.
Hon Nkombo stressed the need for engineers to help with decisive-action towards averting Climate Change, citing the need for them to be more practical in designing resilient infrastructure withstanding extreme weather events such as floods.
He further challenged the engineers to be hands-on in developing more sustainable energy technologies to address energy needs for the Country.
The Minister was speaking when he officiated at this years Engineering Institution of Zambia (EIZ) Southern Region Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Savee Beach Resort in Siavonga District.
He said it is displeasing that each rainy season, some parts of the Country experience the effects of weak infrastructure when bridges are washed away or buildings collapse, a situation that demonstrates a gap in the professional application of engineering.
He said, it is therefore critical for engineers to be more practical because their innovations will not only enhance the livelihoods of urban and rural set up, but also create a foundation for economic prosperity and social well-being.
“Engineering forms the backbone of infrastructure development in urban and rural areas as it provides vital infrastructure essential for sustainable housing, efficient mobility and public safety,” he stated.
Hon Nkombo reaffirmed Governments support to the role of engineers. To this effect, MLGRD and EIZ signed a Memorandum of Understanding to decentralise registration services to district level.
The MoU is aimed at increasing participation by local contractors at the district level in the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) projects Countrywide.
Hon Nkombo said CDF is a huge component of the Ministry, through which Citizens are empowered hence the need to ensure all projects under the Fund stand the test of time for communities to obtain real value for their money.
Speaking at the same occasion, EIZ president, engineer Abel Ngandu said the Institute is committed to supporting Government on progressive strategies that will further promote meaningful development.