THE Engineering Institution of Zambia (EIZ) has warned that it will not hesitate to deregister any member or engineering firm found guilty of doing shoddy work.

EIZ communications officer, Bruce Kaunda said yesterday that the EIZ was concerned with the numerous complaints arising from shoddy works by some construction firms.

Mr Kaunda urged members of the public or institutions with information on shoddy works to forward their complaints to the EIZ disciplinary committee.

He said where the disciplinary committee, after an inquiry found an engineer guilty of professional misconduct, it would among several penalties either order the cancellation of his practicing certificate or modify the fields of speciality in which he may practice.

Punishment may further constitute recommendation to the EIZ council by the commitee, the expulsion or suspension of any member found guilty or imposition of a fine not exceeding eight hundred penalty units to be paid to the institution.

Mr Kaunda advised members of the public not to hesitate to report any member or engineering firm that flouted engineering regulations.

"Any engineering work that does not meet the engineering standards should be reported to the EIZ secretariat," he said.

Mr Kaunda said the EIZ disciplinary committee resolved at its meeting held recently that all complaints should be made in writing with detailed information on the accused to help the institution carry out necessary investigations.

"This will instil a sense of responsibility in both the engineer and engineering firm and the members of the public who are the consumers of any product from engineering work," he said.

Mr Kunda said after due consideration of the complaint, the EIZ, through its disciplinary committee would request the member or the engineering firm against whom the complaint was made to submit an exculpatory statement in writing.

Mr Kaunda said failure to submit such statement within the period specified by the disciplinary committee, disciplinary action would be taken.