Involve local consultants in state projects-Surveyors

Involve local consultants in state projects - Surveyors

Accra, Ghana – Mr Jonathan Allotey Abbosey, President of the Ghana Institution of Surveyors (GhIS), on Monday urged government to engage the services of local consultants to handle major state projects.
“Although we recognize that international best practices must be brought to bear in our developmental agenda, it is unquestionable that we have competent consultants in this country and they have the added advantage of local knowledge and expertise,” he said.
Mr Abbossey, speaking at a press conference to launch the 40th anniversary celebrations of GhIS, suggested that local and foreign consultants must be partnered for major projects to ensure efficient implementation.
The theme: “The Surveyor and the Millennium Development Goals” was chosen to highlight the contribution of GhIS to national development.
Mr Abbossey noted that surveyors were key players in the development agenda saying, “Surveyors have to be involved, if the implementation of the various ventures within the economy is to be successful.”
He said GhIS was working hard to enact laws that would control and regulate the practice of surveying. Currently two legislations - the Survey Council Bill and Estate Agency Bill - being championed by the GhIS have been drafted but are yet to be passed.
To weed out quack surveyors, the Institution has adopted a professional jacket for use by members in its three divisions - the Estate and Valuation, Quantity and Land surveying.
“We urge employers both in the public and private sectors to engage qualified professional surveyors to handle various aspects of projects which are survey related,” he said.
On the oil find, Mr Abbossey said it was imperative for proper demarcation to be done to ensure efficient utilization of land.
“In this regard wanton land sales without regard to land use plans must be discouraged,” Mr Abbossey added.