27 Aug 2024

Member of Parliament for Bobonong, Mr Taolo Lucas has called for the establishment of an independent regulatory body for urban and town designers.

Contributing to the debate on the Architect (Amendment) Bill, 2024 on Monday, Mr Lucas said under regulation of the architects’ council, urban and town designers were misplaced.

Mochudi West MP, Mr Mabuse Pule said the Bill was a positive move since infrastructural development was of vital importance and therefore must be cognisant of the customers’ safety.

Mr Pule said any form of building was a lifetime investment, hence must be done with due diligence.

Mr Palelo Motaosane, MP for Thamaga-Kumakwane supported the Bill, saying it addressed some of the notable changes and challenges relating to the profession.

Mr Onneetse Ramogapi of Palapye said draughtsmen were the backbone of the profession, even though they were somehow ignored by the current law.  

Mr Ramogapi also observed that it was unfortunate that the sector was monopolised by a few who were focused on frustrating new entrants, protecting their interests and compromise the quality of work. He said the regulatory body must work hard, rope in graduates, get them accredited, licensed and produce works of new ideas.

Tlokweng MP, Mr Thulagano Segokgo said there were cases where some even though having graduated, were not recognised by the regulatory authority. Mr Segokgo was of the view that the Bill should address such discrepancies.

Shoshong MP, Mr Aubrey Lesaso challenged architects and all other professional bodies to be regulated by the Bill, to work round the clock and change the landscape of the country. He said the country’s infrastructure required their professionalism in order to do away with substandard works.

Mr Lesaso said the current status of works was not putting their profession in good name.

He said it was important to have synergy between the council and tertiary institutions to produce candidates with the relevant qualifications.

Responding to the legislators’ contributions to the debate, Assistant Minister for State Presidents, Honourable Boitumelo Gofhamodimo, on behalf of Minister of Transport and Public Works, them supporting the Bill.

“The Bill is now opening up for all cadres that will register under the Council to stand alone and not register under the tutelage of other cadre,” Ms Gofhamodimo said.

She added that it was worth noting that the registration fees that would be charged to register under the council would also be used to cover for the running of the office.

“It is important for the architect not to charge exorbitant fees, but rather be at par with the quality of the service and scope of work.  

Development of such professions is meant for the growth of the private sector who are to take the lead in driving the economy,” she said.

The Bill, which seeks to amend the Architects’ Registration Act, enjoyed unanimous support from the legislators and Parliament subsequently passed it. ENDS