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

“The core skills of a quantity surveyor, such as cost estimating, measurement, contract negotiation and risk management are still essential for successful project delivery,” he said.

He said that quantity surveyors are expected to manage project costs and contractual agreements using specialised software and technology such as Building Information Modeling (BIM). They are also expected to have a good understanding of project management processes and tools, such as lean construction and agile project management.

Speaking on ‘A Prophylactic for Quantity Surveyors Survival at this Challenging Times,’ Ajanlekoko noted that the controversy surrounding the relevance of traditional quantity surveying skills arises from the fact that some experts argue that these skills are no longer necessary in today’s construction industry.

According to him, the practice of the future and now must be either a large conglomerate where every area of specialist is warehoused or he/she must be a highly specialised small practice, which is known only for one expanded role, adding, “There lies the pathway to enduring job sourcing.”

Ajanlekoko called for the production of public enlightenment pamphlets that illuminate services to the society, especially on their now expanded roles. He noted that the institution that fails to market its skill to the society and or showcase its skill to the public will naturally go into extinction amid competing demands for relevance by professionals.