MINING AND ENERGY

The construction sector is also one of the few industries in Namibia where there is both a minimum wage and an industry-wide pension arrangement. SME support, employment regulations and corruption are important policy issues for the sector.
Sustained fixed investment by government, business and households has helped the industry grow. The industry’s contribution to the Gross Domestic Product has doubled over the last decade.

CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRIES FEDERATION OF NAMIBIA (CIF)

The Construction Industries Federation is the national voice of Namibia’s construction industry. For more than 60 years the CIF has played a major role in contributing to the economic prosperity of the nation by providing the skills and infrastructure required to build a prosperous and competetive environment. The CIF is an autono­mous, on-governmental and apolitical organisation and is governed by an Exucutive Committee. CIF Members are involved in this diverse industry and include multi-national building and civil contractors though the bulk consists of smaller contractors and SME’s. Members also include the retail and wholesale building material trade along with many other manufacturers and suppliers of construction materi­als and equipment, which serve this sector. It represents specialist trades such as electricians, joiners, plumbers, painters and steelwork­ers, among others.

ARCHITECTURE

There are many professional architectural firms in Namibia who act as both designers and advisors are able to translate clients’ requirements into real­ity. Expert advice and guidance are necessary to minimize risk and maxi­mise investment potential to ensure a successful project venture.
Turn-of-the century German architecture can be seen throughout the country, especially in the capital city of Windhoek. Some of the capi­tal’s modern buildings are still influenced by the German style.
The Namibia Institute of Architects, N.I.A., is a non-profit, statutory institution established in 1952 as The Institute of South West Africa Architects. The N.I.A’s purpose is to promote architecture and sound architectural practice among the architectural profession and general public of Namibia.
Currently the NIA has a membership of 111 registered professional architects, and it is a member of the African Union of Architects, The Commonwealth Association of Architects and the Union of Architects, ensuring an international representation.

Services currently rendered by the NIA are to:

• Provide you with relevant practice documentation, such as contracts etc.
• Organise CPD courses and other informative slide shows, lectures and exhibitions.
• Organise Merit Awards.
• Assist with publications showcasing the work of Namibian architects.

The Namibian Institute of Architects presents a biannual Merit Award for modern architecture in Namibia and organises events to highlight the work of Namibian architects.

THE INSTITUTE OF NAMIBIAN QUANTITY SURVEYORS (INQS)

The Institute of Namibian Quantity Surveyors (INQS) statutory institu­tion. The purpose of the Institute is to promote quantity surveying and sound practice among the Namibian quantity surveying professions and general public of Namibia.
INQS is a member of the Africa Association of Quantity Surveyors (AAQS) and is in close affiliation with the Namibian Council for Architects and Quantity Surveyors (NCAQS).