CIC WARNS OF UNSCRUPULOUS CONTRACTORS

MBABANE – There are disturbing reports of some deceitful companies and individuals targeting those seeking construction services.

The regulator, Construction Industry Council (CIC), has issued a warning about unscrupulous companies/individuals camouflaged as registered contractors.  They reportedly seek to extort money from individuals seeking construction services.

CEO Nhlanhla Dlamini advised the people to be cautious of such scammers and verify contractors with the Council should there be suspicion of validity.

Before engaging a contractor, those in the industry were reminded to ensure that the contractor boasted a CIC certificate and appears on the regulator’s website database or call the office for further verification.

“Acquire multiple quotations from numerous contractors to get an estimate of costing of the job required.

“Establish a contractual agreement with the contractor which will be legally binding to protect both the client and contractor,” advised Dlamini.

Required

Meanwhile, contractors are required to renew their certificates annually as per the dictates of the CIC Act No. 14 of 2013 section 27(1). A contractor shall not carry on business in the construction industry in Eswatini unless the contractor is registered under this Act.

Enquiries or complaints can be forwarded on 2404 9848 or to info@cic.co.sz or customercare@cic.co.sz.

A full investigation into the issue has been reportedly been carried out and a report detailing the scam, it was reliably gathered, would be released before the end of the week.

In the past week, this publication reported that figures from the Construction Industry Council (CIC) report published in the newsletter covering the period March to June 2020 showed that a total of 477 contractors were registered.

Notable

The contractors represented different disciplines that included general building and civil works; manufacturers and suppliers; and joint ventures, among others.

 This figure showed a notable decline when compared to the same period last year (664).

According to the CIC report, there were 77 newly-registered contractors during the period under review while the rest (400) were renewals.

CIC of Eswatini was established through the Construction Industry Council Act No 14 of 2013 primarily to regulate and promote the construction industry in meeting national construction demands while providing strategic leadership to industry stakeholders for the stimulation of sustainable growth, reform and improvement in the country’s construction sector and regulation of the industry. 

Priority

Some of CIC functions include ppromoting and developing the construction industry in Eswatini, giving priority to the country’s firms and companies; assessing the performance of contractors in the execution of contracts and thus, providing a performance record for contractors; regulating the behaviour and promoting minimum standards and best practice for contractors. 

Other functions include providing data and the size and distribution of contractors operating within the industry; promoting research, development and the use of competitive local materials and appropriate construction material; setting and promoting safety standards in the construction industry.

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