23 Jul 2013

Since Botswana is one of the few countries in the region that do not have a quantity surveyors’ registration act, it is necessary to have one to ensure that persons wishing to practice as quantity surveyors in Botswana are properly trained and competent.

This was said by the Minister of Infrastructure, Science and Technology, Mr Johnnie Swartz in Parliament on July 22, when presenting the Quantity Surveyors Registration Bill.

Mr Swartz said the proposed bill would provide for an open and uniform register of practising professional quantity surveyors who pledged to adhere to ethical practices and maintaining their competence through continuing professional development. “The bill will also provide a mechanism for self-regulation of the quantity surveying profession in Botswana in a fair and consistent manner, through establishment of an independent body to be known as the Quantity Surveyor Registration Council,” he said.

Mr Swartz said the council would be responsible for the registration of quantity surveyors and for the regulation of the practice of quantity surveying in Botswana. The minister said to date, registration acts have been promulgated domestically for the allied profession of engineering and architecture therefore introducing a similar Act would be deemed a logical progression.

He explained that at the time of the drafting of the Architects Bill, the then Ministry of Works and Transport, through its sectoral HLCC, took the deliberate decision to allow the Architects Bill to be given priority. “It was then agreed that the quantity surveying bill would follow along similar lines since these professions are very closely related,” he said.

The salient features of the bill as outlined by the minister are to regulate entry to the quantity surveying profession in terms of academic qualifications, professional experience and competence, as well as to protect the interests of the public in any dealings they may have with registered quantity surveyors.

The bill also seeks to enhance the reputation and standing of the quantity surveying profession by setting, maintaining and promoting high ethical standards of professional conduct as well as promote the role that the quantity surveying profession plays in the social and economic development of the country. ENDS