The Republican President of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema, has proposed a strategic alliance between Government and the Engineering Institution of Zambia (EIZ) aimed at strengthening the implementation of Constituency Development Fund (CDF) projects through community training and professional supervision.
Speaking when he officiated the EIZ Annual General Meeting and Symposium held on 18 April 2026 in Livingstone, President Hichilema said the partnership would focus on training local people within communities before and during the implementation of CDF projects.
The President explained that under the proposed strategic alliance, local citizens would be equipped with practical skills and knowledge to actively participate in development projects, while engineering professionals under EIZ would provide technical supervision to ensure quality standards, accountability, and sustainability.
He emphasized that development must deliver tangible benefits to society and encouraged professionals to focus on professionalism, measurable outcomes, and community impact. President Hichilema reaffirmed Government’s readiness to partner with Zambians and professional institutions in driving inclusive national development.
The Head of State further urged engineering professionals to embrace entrepreneurship and ownership within the sector, encouraging them to build enterprises, participate in investments, and benefit from dividends rather than remaining solely in employment. He also highlighted the importance of partnerships and joint ventures, particularly in promoting local content participation within the mining industry.
President Hichilema additionally called for closer collaboration between EIZ and the education sector, urging the Ministry of Education and technology institutions to work with the institution in reviewing curricula to align training with industry needs.
Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development,Eng. Charles Milupi, echoed the President’s sentiments, noting that rapid urbanization has brought complex infrastructure challenges that require strong partnerships between Government and professional bodies.
EIZ President, Wesley Kaluba, welcomed the proposed collaboration, stating that early involvement of engineering professionals in projects enhances efficiency, improves planning, and prevents costly failures. He reiterated the institution’s readiness to support national development initiatives from project inception.
Eng. Kaluba also appealed for the establishment of the Office of the Engineer General and increased representation of engineers at Cabinet level to strengthen technical decision-making.
He further thanked the Republican President for supporting the approval of engineering charge-out rates, describing the development as a milestone promoting fairness, standardization, and professionalism within the engineering sector.
President Hichilema concluded by challenging engineering professionals to deliver infrastructure based on correct cost, quality delivery, and timely completion, reinforcing engineering excellence as a cornerstone of Zambia’s development agenda.
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