New NCC Board Takes Charge

A fresh team assumes responsibility for steering the construction industry.

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, Zambia24 – (18-06-2025) - The National Council for Construction (NCC) Board of Directors was inaugurated during a ceremony held on Wednesday, 18th June 2025, at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka. The event was officiated by the Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Eng. Charles Milupi, MP.

Speaking at the official induction ceremony, Milupi described the appointments as a deliberate call to national service, emphasizing that expectations from the Zambian people, through President Hakainde Hichilema, remain high.

“Your selection is not by chance; it is a deliberate call to duty and an expression of the trust that the people of Zambia, through the Republican President, have placed in you,” he said.

Milupi underscored the urgent need for durable, safe, and cost-effective infrastructure— including roads, schools, hospitals, and housing— that meets the demands of a growing population.

“The people of Zambia want to see infrastructure that is safe, delivered on time, and offers value for money. This must be the Board’s mission and responsibility,” he added.

He reminded the Board that the NCC Act No. 10 of 2020 mandates the institution to regulate, promote, and build capacity in the construction sector. Therefore, the Council must lead efforts to transform the industry into a globally competitive, technologically advanced, and inclusive sector.

A key highlight of Milupi’s address was the emphatic call to empower local contractors. He emphasized that the Local Contractors Empowerment Policy is not a recommendation, but a government directive.

“This is not an aspiration; it is a directive. NCC must ensure fair access to opportunities, dismantle systemic barriers, and build the capacity of Zambian contractors so they can grow and compete,” Milupi said.

He urged the Board to provide targeted support mechanisms—mentorship, technical training, access to finance, and streamlined regulatory procedures—to ensure indigenous contractors are well-positioned to lead.

“Ensure that our citizens are not left behind in their country’s development. Empower them not just to participate—but to lead the sector,” he emphasized.

Milupi warned against mediocrity, corruption, and procedural delays, insisting on the highest ethical standards across the construction sector.

“We must restore public confidence in this sector. NCC must uphold codes of conduct, promote fairness and meritocracy, and ensure women, youths, and persons with disabilities have meaningful roles,” he said.

Milupi challenged the Board to focus on impactful, measurable achievements rather than bureaucracy.

“Be remembered for reforming governance, delivering quality infrastructure, and driving a construction revolution across Zambia. Lead with vision, urgency, and integrity,” he declared.

He concluded by officially inaugurating the 2025–2028 NCC Board of Directors, urging them to act decisively:

“Zambia is waiting.”

The new NCC Board is now charged with turning this bold vision into concrete outcomes in one of the country’s most critical economic sectors.

In his keynote address, the Minister further emphasized the importance of effective governance, transparency, and innovation in developing Zambia’s construction sector.

He reiterated the need to align all efforts with NCC’s vision of “A Robust and Competitive Zambian Construction Industry” and its mission to regulate, promote, and build capacity for sustainable infrastructure development.

The new NCC Board comprises:

Eng. Ngenda Situmbeko – Board Chairperson

Dr. Richard Banda – Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development

Mr. Edgar Siakacoma – National Association of Medium and Small Scale Contractors

Ms. Mutinta Mushabati Pensulo – Ministry of Justice

Arch. Luse Namutowe Katanekwa – Zambia Institute of Architects

A representative – Quantity Surveyors Registration Board

Mrs. Rudo Banda – TEVETA

Eng. Fanizani Phiri – Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development

A representative – Engineering Institution of Zambia (EIZ)

The Board will serve a three-year term and is expected to offer strategic leadership focused on professionalism, capacity building, and regulatory excellence.

Hon. Milupi reminded the appointees that they are assuming office at a pivotal moment, as Zambia rapidly scales up infrastructure projects to meet its developmental goals. 

He stressed that citizens expect quality, timely, and safe public works.

“The people of Zambia want to see roads, hospitals, schools, and housing that are durable, cost-effective, and delivered within schedule,” he said. 

“The NCC must be at the centre of enforcing those expectations.”

The Minister reemphasized that empowering local contractors remains non-negotiable. He urged the Board to dismantle the long-standing barriers that have excluded indigenous players from major public and private projects.

“The Local Contractors Empowerment Policy is not a suggestion—it’s a government directive,” he said. 

“NCC must provide mechanisms that ensure fair access to opportunities, mentorship, financing, and simplified regulation to strengthen Zambian-owned construction enterprises.”

Milupi also emphasized the need for ethical, inclusive leadership. He urged the Board to eliminate malpractice by enforcing strict professional standards and promoting inclusion.

> “Corruption, mediocrity, and delays will not be tolerated. NCC must ensure that women, youth, and persons with disabilities are not just beneficiaries, but active players and leaders within the construction value chain,” he added.

Board Chairperson Eng. Ngenda Situmbeko, speaking on behalf of the newly inaugurated members, pledged to deliver on the mandate with integrity, diligence, and accountability.

> “We accept this responsibility with humility and determination. Our focus will be on strengthening the construction ecosystem and ensuring that Zambians derive maximum benefit from the country’s infrastructure investments,” Eng. Situmbeko said.

The induction was attended by senior government officials, professional bodies, contractors’ associations, and development partners, all of whom echoed the Minister’s call for a responsive and forward-looking construction sector.

The Board’s immediate priorities include: reviewing the NCC’s strategic plan, enhancing industry compliance mechanisms, and strengthening stakeholder collaboration for transparent and effective regulation.

With this new leadership in place, the government anticipates renewed energy and commitment to delivering value-for-money infrastructure and advancing Zambia’s broader socio-economic development goals.