CASLE advocates skills re- certification for African quantity surveyors

THE Commonwealth Association of Surveyors and Land Economy ( CASLE) has called for the re- certification of African quantity surveyors in relevant skill sets.

CASLE President, Segun Ajanlekoko, who submitted to the just concluded African Association of Quantity Surveyors ( AAQS) Symposium organised by Tanzania Institute of Quantity Surveyors ( TIQS) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, said certification of skill sets is where the future of professionalism resides not second degrees.

According to him, numerous new areas emerging within the field, such as public Private Partnerships ( PPP), green building, and risk management require professionals in the field to upgrade themselves.

“The road of additional degrees or Ph. D. can only limit the expansion of the individual or his group because a Ph. D. holder will only be a specialist or a researcher in a narrow field at the cost of being a universal general, which is the ideal duties and functions of a quantity surveyor – “jack of all trades and master of all,” he said.

Ajanlekoko, a past AAQS president explained that the modern- day construction industry is becoming more complex with the introduction of new technology, materials and methods. “This complexity means that quantity surveyors need to have a good understanding of construction technology, materials and methods, as well as project management processes and tools.

“In addition, the role of a quantity surveyor has evolved, and they are now expected to have strong communication and negotiation skills. They are often required to negotiate contracts, settle disputes and manage relationships with stakeholders such as clients, contractors and suppliers,” he said.

He believes that traditional quantity surveying skills are still crucial for quantity surveyors to deliver value to their clients and to ensure successful project delivery