Lack of minimum fees affect quality, says Cira

The Construction Industry Regulatory Authority (Cira) says the absence of minimum professional fees in the construction sector is undermining quality and contributing to stalled and substandard infrastructure projects. Speaking on Friday in Lilongwe at a joint stakeholder consultation on professional fees, Cira chief executive officer Gerald Khonje said some practitioners charge unrealistically low fees to secure contracts, a practice that compromises quality. He said low fees lead to reduced site supervision, inadequate checks and poor-quality infrastructure that ultimately fails the public, noting that under-pricing also contributes to project delays and stalling when costs do not reflect the scope of work.

Said Khonje: “Professional services are the foundation of sound design, accurate costing, effective supervision, risk management and quality assurance throughout the project lifecycle.” He urged professional bodies, including the Malawi Engineering Institution (MEI), Malawi Institute of Architects and the Surveyors Institute of Malawi, to establish and enforce minimum professional fees tied to measurable responsibilities. MEI board chairperson Ronald Gundamtengo said minimum fees would help protect quality in a highly competitive environment where professionals often prioritise winning contracts over delivering adequate services. “Minimum charges will ensure quality services, while fees above that threshold will remain subject to competition,” said Gundamtengo, adding that charges would depend on factors such as project cost, duration and complexity.

Surveyors Institute of Malawi Quantity Surveying chapter chairperson Bob Mpyepeluka said minimum fees would restore order in the industry by curbing the involvement of unqualified practitioners. “We need all professionals to operate at the same level and take responsibility for their output to ensure durable and safe infrastructure,” he said. Malawi has for years grappled with substandard construction, stalled projects and cost escalations, which have continued to drain public resources.