Zambia: EIZ launches infrastructure card
By Nawa Mutumweno – The Engineering Institute of Zambia (EIZ) has launched an infrastructure report card (IRC) framework which seeks to assess and inform stakeholders on the general state of infrastructure in the country.
This intervention is meant to reverse the declining investment trend in public infrastructure. It will provide an assessment of condition of primary asset categories of infrastructure – agriculture, roads and bridges, water, sanitation and solid waste, electricity and fuel infrastructure.
Further it will assess the conditions of education and health infrastructure, information and communication technology, airports, railways and water transport.
Speaking at the launch in Lusaka recently, EIZ president Bernard Chiwala said that infrastructure is capital stock and real catalyst that spurs the provision of public goods and services in an economy.
The absence of robust infrastructure stifles the much-needed efficient and effective economic activities to enhance growth and national development and increases the cost of doing business in a country, he added.
‘’The IRC is the first of its kind in Zambia and shall grade the state of the built infrastructure in selected sectors and provide a comprehensive analysis and reporting to date on Zambia’s infrastructure,’’ he elaborated.
And officiating at the event, Transport, Works, Supply and Communication minister Christopher Yaluma said it is imperative to maintain infrastructure after commissioning.
’’We have for too long suffered from a ‘patch-and-make good’ culture extending the metaphor, it must be realised that ‘a stitch in time saves nine’’’ he elaborated.
Infrastructure is a public asset and all Zambians have a stake in its upkeep, operation and share in the expense of its construction and maintenance, the minister observed.
EIZ Past president Dr Mundia Muya said quality infrastructure enhances job creation and attracts more investment, facilitating economic development in the process.
