Construction Fair underway in Blantyre
If the construction industry in Malawi has to grow and contribute to the aims and objectives of the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MGDS), there was need that the players in the industry ensure high standards and quality, Transport and Public Infrastructure Minister, Sidik Mia has said.
He was speaking when he officially opened the Second Construction Fair at Chichiri Trade Fair Grounds in Blantyre on Monday.
The Second Construction Fair’s theme is “Sustainable and Efficient Construction Technologies and Practices”.
“I would like to ask you the leaders of the Construction Industry that you should at all times maintain trustworthiness to your clients by giving the best service at all times. There are some members of the industry who are there just to make money and do not care of the quality of service they give,” Mia observed.
He said government and the industry must join hands as they explore avenues for the sustainable economic growth, through enhanced productivity, innovation and modernization of the Construction Industry in Malawi.
The Transport and Public Infrastructure minister observed that the Construction Industry is a very critical sector in the socioeconomic development of any country and that government understands that infrastructure contributes to the achievement of a number of the expected outcomes of the MGDS.
He said specifically, a well developed infrastructure, which depends on an efficient construction industry, contributes towards the reduced cost of doing business in Malawi.
Mia said that this in turn improves the country’s attractiveness as an investment destination.
“The theme of the fair is therefore appropriate as we seek to realize the country’s vision as indicated in the Government development policies,” said Mia, adding that the construction industry in Malawi has the potential to provide increased access to facilities such as markets, clinics, schools especially in the rural areas.
Mia, who is also Chikhwawa governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislator, disclosed that Government has initiated a number of policies aimed at promoting development and regulation of the construction industry including the formulation of the Construction Policy, which he said was at advanced stages of preparation.
“The Second Construction Fair comes at a very opportune time as it will highlight a number of developments taking place within the industry,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the organizers of the fair, the National Construction Industry Council (NCIC) Chief Executive Officer, Linda Phiri thanked all industry players, about 15 of them, that had participated and exhibited their products at the fair.
She said the fair offered new business and growth opportunities through interaction among the players themselves and others from support sectors of the economy.
Transport and Public Infrastructure secretary Randson Mwadiwa, NCIC Board Chair Newton Kambala and other top government officials were among the high-level dignitaries at the official opening of the Second Construction Fair, which ends on Wednesday, November 9, 2011.
