Engineers move to streamline operations

No engineer is now allowed to operate anywhere in the country before registering with the Institution of Engineers Rwanda (IER). This is one of the resolutions that were made during a national forum for the engineering sector held in Kigali last week. “Only those registered with IER are legally accepted to carry out engineering works in Rwanda; be it local or foreign engineers as per the law governing our profession,” said Eng. Fred Rwihunda, the president of the association. Eng. Rwihunda said this will help regulate the industry, adding that engineers will be obliged to carry out their responsibilities with great concern to public safety. “The engineering profession is very sensitive in a sense that an error can easily cost lives,” Eng. Rwihunda said. The one-day forum, organised by the IER, in conjunction with Rwanda Bureau of Standards (RBS), discussed several engineering issues aimed at ensuring standard and quality work for engineers. During the forum, it was also agreed that all procurement entities, be it public or private, should observe standard procedures by considering registered and certified engineers during the bidding process. This is the latest initiative that has been taken towards promoting quality and standard work in engineering works after RBS’s decision to test and certify the quality of building materials for safety and quality construction. Under the arrangement, RBS certifies different products, including construction materials like cement, iron bars, wires, pipes, blocks and bricks, roofing materials like corrugated iron-sheets and tiles, among others.

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Engineers move to streamline operations