Mbabane – The Construction Industry Council (CIC) has taken a major step toward strengthening professionalism and quality within Eswatini’s building sector after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Eswatini Standards Authority (ESWASA).
The CIC Chief Executive Officer, Machawe Mnisi, said agreement is expected to bring greater compliance, higher construction standards, and improved industry skills at a time when the country continues to grapple with substandard work, safety concerns, and uneven regulation.
Under the newly signed MOU, the two institutions will collaborate on joint development of construction standards, stronger regulatory compliance oversight, and enhanced quality assurance and certification mechanisms. The partnership also includes the creation of specialised training curricula for the industry, along with the sharing of technical expertise, benchmarking data, and other critical information needed to drive sector-wide improvement.
Mnisi noted that CIC intends to play a proactive role in expanding its oversight over construction materials entering the country. This includes strengthening control mechanisms, monitoring processes and helping address gaps within the current regulatory framework.
As part of the effort, the CIC is reviewing its Act which is currently in draft form. The revised legislation will be taken through the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, then proceed to the relevant authorities including the Cabinet.
“The council aims to be integrated into the regulation of construction materials to ensure that all products used in the industry meet required standards,” he noted.
ESWASA CEO Ncamiso Mhlanga noted that some standards already exist and some need development thus this collaboration will focus on developing, and implementing joint standards for the construction industry.
“A key component of the agreement is the introduction of measures to strengthen quality assurance and consumer protection,” he said.
Mhlanga added that the collaboration will not be punitive but will focus on increasing support for constructors, and artisans ensuring that they understand and consistently apply standards.
Another significant area addressed in the MoU is capacity building which Mahlanga said as ESWASA they will train contractors on programmes designed to support all industry players.
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