The Institute of Engineers Rwanda (IER) and Rwanda Housing Authority have vowed to ensure that unregistered engineers do not get work in the country as part of efforts to crackdown on quacks. 

All unregistered engineering professionals have accordingly been given up to the end of the month to regularise their status, according to Eng Dismas Nkubana, the president of the Engineering Council in Rwanda.

Nkubana said the move is also geared at promoting professionalism, quality, and safety in construction industry.

He noted that some unqualified engineers had infiltrated the sector and take on big projects after posing as experienced civil engineers.

"This compromises the quality of buildings…Inspection conducted on the buildings that have collapsed in the past revealed that they were being constructed by unregistered engineers,” Nkubana said.

All engineers are by law of 2012 required to register with the Institute of Engineers Rwanda to get a practicing licence after fulfilling requirements. The institute regulates the engineering profession in the country.

Nkubana added that the institute is always blamed for any mistakes by fakes who dupe people to get construction jobs.

Countrywide site inspection

Eric Serubibi, the head of housing and development department at the Rwanda Housing Authority, said they will carry out site inspections throughout the country early next month to crackdown all illegal operators. He advised project owners and site managers, especially in the Provinces, to always check with the institute before hiring any engineers.

A memorandum of understanding between Rwanda Housing Authority, IER and the Ministry of Infrastructure allows registered engineers to benefit from training and capacity building from government projects.

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