The Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Works, Dr. Charles Msonde, has called on Tanzanians to make greater use of professional services provided by registered architects and quantity surveyors to improve the quality, safety, and cost-efficiency of buildings across the country.
Speaking during the opening of a two-day seminar on Continuous Professional Development (CPD) for architects and quantity surveyors in Dar es Salaam, Dr. Msonde said the government will continue supporting the Architects and Quantity Surveyors Registration Board (AQRB) to ensure the sector is well-regulated, modernized, and responsive to national development needs.
He emphasized the need for AQRB to increase public awareness of its services, noting that more Tanzanians need access to expert guidance when constructing homes and infrastructure.
"The task of educating citizens must be ongoing so that more people can build modern, safe, and affordable structures," he said.
Dr. Msonde stressed the importance of using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the construction industry to keep pace with global innovations, adding that Tanzanian professionals must continuously improve their skills and uphold integrity and patriotism in their work.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to engaging local professionals in major infrastructure projects, saying this will help strengthen local expertise, generate income, and boost the capacity of Tanzanian firms.
“We must build a culture of professionalism and lifelong learning to meet evolving challenges and opportunities in the sector,” he said.
He also urged AQRB to invest in research to identify and register competent professionals in good time, expand training programs to meet market demands, and encourage participation in both local and international construction projects. Compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks must remain a priority, he added.
AQRB Acting Registrar, Arch. Dr. Daniel Matondo, said the seminar aims to bring together practitioners to explore solutions for emerging challenges in the sector and promote innovation and sustainability.
Held under the theme “Building Sustainable Expertise, Standards, and Strategies,” the training also seeks to encourage the public and policymakers to prioritize the roles of architects and quantity surveyors in national development.
Meanwhile, the Registrar of the Board of Engineers, Architects, and Quantity Surveyors in Zanzibar, Arch. Yasir De Costa, underscored the need for enhanced cooperation between professionals on both sides of the Union.
He encouraged joint agreements that would enable professionals to work collectively and take advantage of shared opportunities in the growing construction industry.
According to AQRB, more than 491 companies and 1,707 professionals are currently registered and authorized to offer architectural and quantity surveying services across Tanzania.