The Parliament of Sierra Leone has on Tuesday debated the bill entitled “The Professional Engineering Regulatory Council Act 2021”.
The Bill seeks to make provision for the establishment of the Professional Engineering Regulatory Council with the responsibility to regulate the practice of engineering in Sierra Leone, including the registration and discipline of professional engineers, and to provide for other related matters
Presenting the bill to Parliament, the Deputy Minister of Works and Public Assets, Hon. Philip TetemaTondeneh said the bill is geared toward strengthening the engineering sector; and improving the engineering on standard and procedure.
He said that the council would be the autonomous body responsible for the regulation of professional engineers and practices in Sierra Leone,including registration and discipline of professional engineers. He said most construction companies lack the technicality and when the bill would have enacted into law, it would address all the challenges involved in the engineering sector.
Hon. Mack-MamoudKalokoh said any bill passed by Parliament should stand the test of times, whilst calling on Parliament to commit the bill to the Legislative Committee for further scrutiny.
Hon. Joseph William-Lamin spoke on the need for professional engineers to have standards, whilst citing several errors made by engineers around the country. He called for a proper monitoring mechanism in the engineering sectors.
On his part, Hon. Abdul Kargbo said the engineering profession is a sacred one, notingthat, one mistake from an engineer can cost money and lives. He advised for a trained and qualified engineers to be certified.
He pleaded with the minister for contract to be awarded to local contractors to help them develop.
Hon. Rev. Sama Sandy welcomed the initiative to have such a bill to regulate the engineering sector.
He spoke well on the importance of the bill, and the need for regulation.
Hon. Mustapha Sellu questioned the absence of engineers in Parliament while debating the bill. He commended engineers for their outstanding performance in their work. He called on the Engineering Council to stipulate a timeline for an engineer to be acquired a professional engineering license before operations
Hon. Emilia LollohTongi, an Independent MP from Kailahun District, condemned the bad job done by bad engineers and praised the entirety of the bill to control the profession.
Hon. Paul Sam described the bill as a “fine one”, adding that said the bill is to safeguard the engineering profession. He advised that international engineers operating in Sierra Leone be registered prior to their operation in the country.
Hon. Emerson Saa Lamina, Leader C4C, said the bill is non-controversial; adding that the bill spoke volume on it standard operation and commended the ministry .
Rounding up the debate, Leader of Opposition, Hon. Chernor RM Bah commended MPs who spoke on the Bill. He asked for the suspension of debate so that the debate would continue in a later day. His motion was seconded by the Acting Leader of Government Business Hon. BashiruSilikie.
Parliamentary and Public Relations Department
Parliament of Sierra Leone
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