03 Mar 2013

Batswana have been advised to get into binding agreements with contractors whom they contract for their projects.

The vice president of the Architects Association of Botswana (AAB), Mr Agreed Maika told a press conference that contractual agreements were very important because they could be used to contractually recall the contractor if the structure experienced defects. 

 

The press conference was called to announce two important up-coming AAB events dubbed: The House Show as well as the annual Phakalane Golf Estate Dinner both to be held on March 9, morning and evening.

 ABB’s mandate is to promote architecture in Botswana, and Mr Maika said despite financial challenges the association faced, it has made significant strides in promoting education, generating interest and assisting within both government and the private sector.

He said in order for the association to continue its service to the public, every year they strive to improve architectural education and continuing professional development.

The vice president further said the association also served the public through its corporate social responsibility initiatives to sustain the association and donate to charitable organisations. 

The association secretary, Mrs Gorata Kgafela informed the media that the annual dinner themed: Designing Tomorrow Today will be opened to stakeholders and the general public.

The guest speaker will be Mr Van Bebber, the architect who conceptualised the Soccer City Stadium which was used for the first ever World Support Club hosted in Africa.

Guests to grace the occasion include Minister of Infrastructure, Science and Technology Mr Johnnie Swartz and his permanent secretary Mr Dikagiso Mokotedi. 

The House show will also be held as an open day for stakeholders in the construction industry, architects, quantity surveyors, engineers, real estate agents, property developers, financiers, and building product surveyors, amongst others.

Mrs Kgafela explained that the core concept of the House Show was to bring the consumers face to face with the various players of the construction industry, most importantly with the professionals/consultants that one requires for the successful execution of building projects.

The House Show will be carried out in an exhibition format with stalls and pause areas to allow each organisation that is represented to get a chance to discuss intimately the services they offer and the value they add to a building project.

Key issues of public interest at the House Show include the regulation of construction professionals in Botswana, what value is added to a building project that has involved professionals, what is the standard services that should be expected from a professional, which professionals are represented by associations and what are the benefits of having registered professionals in a building project, to mention a few. ENDS