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Joint inspections of construction sites and occupied buildings across Lusaka have reportedly uncovered alarming breaches of building and labour regulations — including the absence of occupation certificates, unqualified site supervision, and the use of underage workers.
The inspections were conducted last week by the Engineering Institution of Zambia (EIZ), the Zambia Institute of Architects (ZIA), and the Lusaka City Council (LCC) as part of ongoing efforts to enforce compliance and safeguard public safety in the construction sector.
Speaking during a press briefing on Monday at the EIZ offices, EIZ Vice President for Policy, Public Relations and National Development, Kennedy Musonda, said the joint operation revealed several serious irregularities.
Among the properties inspected was Baobab Mall, located at the intersection of Great East and Kamloops Roads, which was found operating without an occupation certificate — a legal document confirming a building’s safety and suitability for use.
Following the discovery, the Lusaka City Council issued a Stop Order, giving mall management two hours to close until all statutory requirements were met.
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Musonda further disclosed that a Chinese national working on the project was found practising without a valid 2025 engineering licence, in violation of the Engineering Act.
Enforcement procedures have since been initiated to regularise the practitioner’s status.
At another site along Nangwenya Road, where commercial flats are under construction, inspectors found additional breaches, including lack of qualified supervision, missing site records, poor housekeeping, and inadequate protective gear for workers.
When LCC officials issued a Stop Order, on-site personnel reportedly refused to acknowledge or sign the notice, prompting further enforcement action.
Even more severe violations were recorded at a construction site in Roma, where inspectors discovered large-scale building works underway without approved planning permission or qualified supervision.
Alarmingly, underage workers were also found at the site.
“The Lusaka City Council has initiated enforcement actions, while EIZ and ZIA will pursue professional and legal measures as required,” Musonda said.
He emphasized that the objective of the inspections was not punitive, but aimed at preventing unsafe construction practices and protecting human life.
“Buildings constructed without proper oversight or adherence to safety standards pose grave risks, including structural collapse, injury, or even loss of life,” he said.
“Zambia has adequate laws, regulatory institutions, and competent professionals to ensure safety in the built environment. As regulators, we will continue to enforce compliance wherever it is compromised,” he added.
Musonda confirmed that Baobab Mall will remain closed until it secured an occupation certificate and complies with all statutory conditions.
The unlicensed practitioner has been flagged for disciplinary action, while the Nangwenya Road and Roma projects face additional legal and professional sanctions.
Meanwhile, ZIA President, Musunka Silungwe, expressed deep concern over the rising trend of unqualified individuals undertaking construction projects, warning that such practices undermined professional standards and public safety.
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