Engineering issues should be left to engineers—MIE

The Malawi Institution of Engineers (MIE) recently elected its vice president, Andrew Thawe as its new president, replacing Mathews Mtumbuka who has served in that position for the last two years but is still in the institution’s council as its past immediate president.

In this interview Thawe explains the engineering profession and its relevance to economic development

Q:

Congratulations on being elected as the new president of the Malawi Institution of Engineers. What is your vision—specifically where do you want to take the grouping and the engineering landscape in your tenure of office?

A:

I want to continue where the previous regime took the profession. Fortunately, I was the vice-president then and part of the developments that took place and therefore taking the profession to greater heights will not be a big issue. In addition, the former President is part of the new council to ensure continuity.

Specifically, I would want to see improved standards of engineering projects and methodologies thereto to avoid some of the catastrophes the nation experienced in the past two years. My vision is to see proactive engineers on national issues. The past council laid a foundation on that and the new council will take the agenda forward.

Q:

Over the past two years, we have seen engineers influencing policy formulation and gaining recognition, but surely there must be some unfinished business you would want to take on. What are some of these projects that you want to implement as soon as possible?

A:

You are right – MIE has been influencing policy formulation. That’s not the end of business. Policy holders and the nation as a whole ought to know that engineering issues should be left to engineers to handle for safety and value for money. If you look at history of developed countries, you will notice that engineers were given space to lead. Locally, you will notice that attainment of most home-grown development strategies and goals such as the Economic Recovery Plan (ERP); the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and others is mainly dependent on engineering. One wonders then why the good strategies are failing. To what extent were engineers involved? It’s my duty and that of my colleagues to ensure that engineers are involved in formulating national strategies. Not only consulted but involved!

An immediate issue that we did not finish in the past two years is the repealing of the Engineers Act. A new draft Engineers Act has been gathering dust for the past four years and it’s our intention to work with the Board of Engineers to ensure that the act is repealed. The most encouraging thing is that there is a common understanding among engineers at all levels that the new Engineers Act should come into force as soon as possible.

Q: Engineers are an important profession for the development of this economy as far as infrastructure development is concerned. What national projects would you want to push in your tenure of office that will have a bearing on the economy?

A:

We have heard of late about developments in the energy sector. This is a key area as it affects industrial production and some services. Thus, I would want projects that would enhance power production. Equally, I would want to see increased production of ethanol. There is need to determine the economic viability of growing more sugarcane for production of ethanol so that we reduce import costs of diesel. Water in the cities of Blantyre and Lilongwe is a key element to wet industries and the society. I would like to see development of dams for the two cities. Electricity and Water are key for industrial development.

As a nation we have made strides in construction of roads. However, of concern is that most road projects are still hanging. We would want to see improved management of roads construction.

Q: What should the ordinary resident in town and rural area expect from your team?

A:

Engineering is about the well-being of every citizen. When a nation develops so is the citizenry. The ordinary citizen should expect trusted and reliable professional engineers who will give professional advice and guidance to the government and those in authority on development projects in addition to ensuring that everything is undertaken according to professional ethics and norms. If involved at every stage then the citizenry is assured of improved attainance of national objectives.

Q: There are projects in Malawi such as the Nsanje World inland Port which unfortunately have drawn a lot of debate in terms of their relevance to the country. What is your stand on the project?

A:

The Nsanje World Inland Port is a marvellous concept. However it will be difficult to comment as to whether the project can deliver the intended objectives in the absence of a comprehensive feasibility study. MIE will give its views on the project once furnished with a Feasibility Study Report.

Q: Malawi borrowed money from India for the construction of strategic oil reserves in the country’s three regions which will stock fuel up to 50 million litres. However, other experts have argued that this is a white elephant and not necessary at this point to the economy. They argue that in terms of fuel the country needs to revamp its Nacala Railway line or alternatively construct a pipeline from the port. How viable are these opinions?

A:

It’s good to have adequate fuel reserves as a country. However, are we addressing the problem at hand? Will the country be able to fill these reserves? If yes, at what cost? In my view the immediate problem that the country has on fuel is transportation – both costs and quantity. To date we are still relying on road transport to ferry our fuel and it is common knowledge that road transport is expensive as compared to rail and pipeline. How many trucks will we need to fill these reserves? I agree with those championing rehabilitation of the rail line or construction of a pipeline. As a nation we need to invest strategically for real long-term results.

Q:

What is your opinion on the crumbling Liwonde Barrage?

A: There is timely intervention on the barrage by the government. I am quite aware that the Ministry of Water Development and Irrigation intends to rehabilitate the barrage and construct a bridge downstream so that the barrage does not double as a bridge as well especially for motor vehicles. The barrage has been a concern for sometime but I am aware that detailed designs were completed and soon the ministry will be tendering for the works with financing from the World Bank.

Q: Now the rains are coming, what message do you have to the engineering fraternity and ordinary people?

A:

To engineering fraternity I would say let us speed up activities that are easily affected by the rains to avoid project delays. To everyone, let’s take advantage of the rains to grow whatever we can. Let’s take advantage of available and affordable farming technologies and seeds to enhance our production.

For our safety let’s make sure surroundings to our houses are secure with appropriate drainages. Let’s all look after our young ones. Last year we lost several children due to storm water drainage problems.

Q:

Finally, do you have any other comments?

A:

Yes. Malawi will only be developed by us Malawians. We should be patriotic to the country and put things that benefit the nation as a whole first. All professions should work hand in hand but each in its right discipline. Companies and institutions should also assist in the development of engineers by allowing our trainees to join our various organizations on industrial attachment. MIE is informed that starting from next year engineering students at the Polytechnic will be going for industrial attachment for one full semester in year four. The success of this initiative calls for our support.