WORKS and Supply Minister, Mike Mulongoti has challenged the Engineering Institution of Zambia (EIZ) to protect the citizenry from shoddy works by some contractors and help rid corruption in the construction sector.

Mr Mulongoti said there were numerous cases of corruption in the construction industry while other contractors did shoddy works with impunity. The minister said this on Saturday evening during an EIZ annual dinner in Lusaka.

"The Government wants the EIZ to ensure that the public is protected from shoddy works and corruption. The Government recently launched the national Anti-Corruption policy meant to protect the citizens from corrupt practices," Mr Mulongoti said.

He said the EIZ should constantly monitor construction works and punish contractors guilty of violating the terms of references in their contracts. If the EIZ carried out its mandate effectively, he said that Zambia would be able to improve its economy.

Mr Mulongoti said Zambia's economy was dependent on the construction industry, which heavily relied on the works of EIZ.

"The institute should ensure that it regulates and monitors the members. Integrity and professionalism must be the main priority of EIZ and you should also know that poor quality of works are costing the Government dearly," the minister said.

There were several construction projects throughout Zambia that required the supervision of EIZ, he said. Immediate past president of EIZ, Mundia Muya, said that if the institution was stronger and worked collectively, it could influence the development agenda of the country.

"If we are singularly and collectively strong, EIZ will be strong and we can influence the development agenda of this country. We need to be strong for the institution because it is our collective voice at the national level," Dr Muya said.

He thanked the EIZ members for the support rendered to him during his tenure as president.

And in his inaugural speech, president-elect Henry Musonda said the institution could contribute to Zambia's development agenda by monitoring the various infrastructure development projects.

Mr Musonda said if EIZ became effective, it would be helping the Government realise its goals as enshrined in the Vision 2030 and the Fifth National Development Plan .

He said the EIZ should assist the Government in the quest to rid the country of corruption by supervising construction projects.