MBABANE – The construction sector faces major reform as CIC and ESWASA partner to enforce quality compliance and gradually eliminate uncertified products from the national market entirely.
The Construction Industry Council (CIC) and the Eswatini Standards Authority (ESWASA), urge all players – from manufacturers of building materials to contractors and consultancy firm s – to comply with national standards or risk exclusion from the industry in the near future.
This follows the signing of a landmark memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two regulatory bodies yesterday morning at the CIC headquarters, marking the beginning of a more coordinated and rigorous enforcement regime aimed at elevating the quality, safety and competitiveness of Eswatini’s construction sector.
The MoU formalises a strengthened collaboration between CIC and ESWASA and outlines key areas of joint action. These include:
- Development of construction-specific standards
- Joint regulatory compliance oversight
- Improved quality assurance and certification mechanisms,
- Development of industry-focused training curricula
- Exchange of technical expertise, benchmarking data and critical sector information.
Both institutions emphasised that the agreement is not merely a symbolic gesture, but a decisive step towards eliminating substandard products and poor workmanship that continue to undermine the sector’s performance and put consumers at risk.
CIC Chief Executive Officer Maqhawe Mnisi, speaking during the signing ceremony, said the construction industry’s complexity makes standardisation essential.
“The construction sector involves a lot – including contractors, consultancy firms and manufacturers. All these must ensure their work meets the required standard,” he said.
“These standards are about cost, time and the right quality, which directly impact safety and the overall success of construction projects.”
Mnisi further highlighted that the ongoing review of the CIC Act will introduce firmer requirements for the sector, including mandatory standards that players will be legally obligated to follow.
He warned that the industry is approaching a point where uncertified products and non-compliant operations will no longer be acceptable.
“There will come a time when uncertified products will not be permitted anywhere in the sector,” he cautioned. “It is important for all players to get their houses in order.”
ESWASA Director Ncamiso Mhlanga echoed this message, emphasising that both imported and locally produced construction materials must meet national standards.
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… tighter regulatory environment ahead
MBABANE – Both CIC and ESWASA are aligned in their position that Eswatini’s construction sector must shift towards a culture of compliance, professionalism and accountability.
With the CIC Act under review and ESWASA intensifying its quality enforcement efforts, the regulatory environment is expected to tighten significantly.
Contractors, consultants, importers and manufacturers who fail to meet standards may soon find themselves unable to participate in public procurement processes or private sector projects as quality controls become more stringent.
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