Surveyors demand to included in Land Survey Amendment Bill process

SURVEYORS to have demanded to be included in the amendment process of the Land Survey Amendment Bill No. 12 of 2026, currently under review by the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture, Lands and Natural Resources.

Surveyors Institute of Zambia (SIZ), Land Survey Chapter, a professional body mandated to uphold standards, ethics, and best practices in the profession, acknowledged importance of reforms in strengthening land governance, but raised concerns about the Bill being amended without their input.

“The Institute was not consulted in the formulation of this Bill,” a statement from the surveyors read.

“Failure by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to engage the professionals most directly affected is regarded as a deliberate attempt to sideline land surveyors, contrary to the
principles of transparency and inclusive governance.”

While welcoming the proposed increase in Survey Control Board membership from five to 11, The surveyors complained that the proposed board composition does not reflect the board’s mandate.

The Institute cited section 7 of Cap. 188, a legislation which centres on the technical examination, registration, discipline, and regulation of land surveyors.

“Inclusion of non-land surveyors in
significant numbers risk diluting the Board’s technical expertise and undermining professional integrity,” surveyors noted.

Therefore, the institute is requesting for the withdrawal of the Bill or to appear before the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture, Lands and Natural Resources as key witnesses
to ensure final amendment of the Bill reflects best practices and serves Zambia’s long-term land governance interests.