Surveyors Institute of Malawi warns on use of unlicensed agents

The Surveyors Institute of Malawi (SIM), a registered professional body responsible for securing of the advancement of and facilitation of the acquisition of that knowledge which constitutes the profession of a Surveyor has expressed concern with the practice by some individuals, local and international organisations of engaging unlicensed agents not recognised by the Institute.

The body has warned it would take legal action against those involved in the malpractice.

The concern has been raised through a statement recently issued by the Institute through the media.

Reads the statement: “The Surveyors Institute of Malawi (SIM) has noted that some local and international companies, local councils and individuals, corporates and institutions are engaging valuers, estate agents and auctioneers, quantity surveyors and land surveyors, who are not eligible to practice in Malawi and are not recognised by SIM under the respective chapters nor are they registered with the respective Boards as by Law required.

“It has further been noted that graduate members on internship and mentorship after graduation are being used by such organisations to carry out the said services, to the dismay of SIM and the respective Registration Boards responsible for surveyors and the compromise of professional and quality service delivery to the general public.”.

Through the statement, which is signed by SIM president Surveyor Ellen Chapinduka, the body says only those currently registered as surveyors (Valuers, Quantity Surveyors, Land Surveyors, auctioneers and Estate Agents) with the respective Boards are allowed to practice.

“In Malawi, all surveying is considered work of a professional nature and shall be performed in conformity with the provisions of the statutes that govern the practice of the profession. All Surveying work including that of Estates Agency may be performed only by Registered Licensed Surveyor or under the Direct Charge and Supervision of a Registered Licensed Surveyor.

“In order to safeguard property and public welfare, therefore, no person shall practice surveying unless appropriately licensed or specifically exempted from licensure under the provisions of the requisite Laws. Further, only persons licensed under various chapters shall be entitled to take and use the titles -registered surveyor, professional surveyor or licensed surveyor, estate agent, auctioneer, valuer or any combination of these words, phrases, or abbreviation thereof.

“It is the respective Boards’ position that protection of the public should be the highest priority and as such stringent measures are in place for the exercising of their licensing, regulatory and disciplinary functions. Whenever protection of the public is inconsistent with other interests sought to be promoted, the protection of the public shall be paramount hence the need for appropriate registration,” reads the statement.

The surveyors institute is advising organisations involved and the general public that practice in the trades of property valuation, estate agency and auctioneering, quantity surveying, land surveying and other related trades require prior licensing by the respective Boards in Malawi regardless of any international accreditation one may have, ‘as per standard procedure in most professions and other countries.’

“In view of the contents hereinabove, SIM is now advising all such organisations and individuals to desist from such malpractice; otherwise the Law will take its course,” says the statement.

The body is advising individuals or institutions requiring the said services or any guidance contact the SIM secretariat through the number: 0111731853 or consult the respective registration Boards (Land economy board, Land Survey Board and Architects and Quantity Surveyors’ Board).

The institute says it will soon publish names of licensed members, who are paid up and are eligible to practice under the respective Acts of the Laws of Malawi.

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