Lack of construction law a significant obstacle to industry reform, CIF warns

The construction industry has been waiting since 2006 for a construction council to enforce regulations and standards, with hopes for this happening in 2024 fading fast.In a recently issued statement, the CEO of the Construction Industry Federation (FIF), Bärbel Kirchner, called for the urgent establishment of a national construction council and emphasised the negative consequences of the lack of an enforceable regulatory framework.“This is completely ridiculous. If not now, when will we get a construction council in our country?“The lack of oversight has led to concerns over poor workmanship, incomplete projects and misallocation of resources, highlighting the urgent need for industry regulation. The CIF can vouch for its members, who must adhere to a code of conduct. However, there are many businesses in Namibia that are not CIF members and, for that reason, are not being monitored,” she noted.Crucial sectorAccording to Kirchner, several top government leaders had previously supported the necessary legislation for establishing the council, but to no avail.In 2016, Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said government is in the process of formulating the Namibian Planning and Construction Bill.“The bill provides, among other things, for the establishment of the Namibian Planning and Construction Council and for the registration of individuals involved in the construction industry. Once this bill is passed into law, it will greatly enhance the government&#039;s efforts to support this very important sector,” she said. Worrying delayKirchner said the bill has been tabled before parliament and was reviewed last year by the Cabinet committee on legislation, but progress stalled there.“Delays in submitting the bill for parliamentary consideration present a significant obstacle to industry reform and advancement,” she said.The construction council would serve as a regulatory body for the construction industry, keeping a register of all construction companies, which would be categorised to help ensure that tender and project requirements align with the capabilities of Namibian companies.“Considering the vast potential work in the pipeline, particularly the necessary infrastructure for green hydrogen, oil and gas, it is crucial that our industry is better regulated. This will not only help us understand the overall capacity of our industry but also assist in maintaining and further developing our own capabilities. It can also help ensure quality in projects and that they are executed properly and on time,” she said.“Our industry is not receiving the necessary support from the government,” she underlined.

Lack of construction law a significant obstacle to industry reform, CIF warns

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-04

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Lack of construction law a significant obstacle to industry reform, CIF warns

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-04

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