Saturday 9th December 2023
A team of Zambia Metrology Agency (ZMA) Board members and Directors has concluded its benchmarking exercise to appreciate how similar Government Agencies execute their mandates in South Africa.
Director Legal Metrology Dr Michael Kalumbu Nsefu says the benchmarking visit to South Africa was insightful as both countries have agreed to collaborate in various areas for continuous growth and improvement in the National Quality Infrastructure.
Dr. Nsefu said the primary mandate of ZMA includes establishing a national measurement system traceable to international measurement systems and promoting accurate measurements in commercial transactions, law enforcement, health and safety services, and environmental management.
Dr. Nsefu explained that the correct application of measurements in various sectors contributes greatly to the socioeconomic growth of any nation.
He says the Agency learned a lot among other things which includes, the outsourcing model being used by the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) for statutory verifications, application of new technologies by private firm in the prevention of fuel losses in the supply chain, and the calibration of speed cameras.
He says some of the areas of concern include the structuring of the Quality Infrastructure Institutions, the accreditation process for scientific and industrial laboratories, verification models that are being implemented by the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications, and the legal framework surrounding supporting the institutions.
He has thanked the Zambian Government and various institutions for the opportunity to share knowledge on how the Agency works in Zambia and how it can enhance its operations.
He is hopeful that several MOUs will be signed going forward to enhance the bilateral relationship between the Agencies. He has expressed happiness at the support and feedback that has come from their South African counterparts.
Issued by
Tamara Nyirenda
First Secretary Press and Public Relations
Zambia High Commission
South Africa
tamara.nyirenda@grz.gov.zm