Inexperienced engineers behind low-quality projects

RIYADH: The Saudi Council of Engineers has congratulated the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, the Crown Prince, Deputy Premier Mohammed bin Naif and Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the National Day of the Kingdom.
Jamil bin Jarallah Al-Bagawi, chairman of the council’s board of directors, said: “The glory of the nation and its citizens lies in their love and loyalty toward their wise leadership, which took it upon itself to serve the land and its people.
“The Kingdom has made Qur’an and Sunnah the sources of its glory and advancement.”
Al-Bagawi said that since the declaration of the Saudi Vision 2030, the council started reviewing matters related to the engineering sector and by holding consultations with engineers on its website.
The council came up with a work plan which seeks to encourage engineering and develop incentives to raise creativity and quality within the Kingdom, as well as developing the work of consulting and engineering offices and increasing their capacity.
Al-Bagawi said that registration in the professional accreditation system of the council is open to engineers who have practical experience in engineering, but added that they must have at least three years of experience to qualify.
He said, if any engineer has specialties, then his applications would be considered by a professional committee.
Al-Bagawi pointed out that this procedure is designed to curb the negative impact of low-quality national projects. He voiced concerns over reports that some companies recruited graduates with little or no experience, or engineers who were not qualified to work in the Kingdom. This has harmed the national economy, in addition to wasting job opportunities for Saudi engineers, he added.