The three foreign firms namely, Design Partnership, SLT Architects and Pattichides and Partners have been providing architectural services in Zambia
illegally and with impunity to Hungry Lion, Shoprite and Ocean Basket respectively, over the years despite the Institute reaching out to them and
providing guidance to register joint ventures with local architects as per requirement of Section 28 (2) as read with Section 35 (1) – (4) of the Zambia
Institute of Architects Act.

In this regard, we would like to indicate that all sites that are active for Hungry Lion, Shoprite and Ocean Basket and have these foreign architects are now a
crime scene and the Zambia Police should not hesitate to arrest any personnel from these foreign firms.

We also wish to implore our partners the National Council for Construction to take interest in this matter and ensure that Construction Sites where foreign
drawings are being used on site without a joint venture certificate from the Zambia Institute of Architects must be shut immediately for want of
compliance to the Laws of Zambia.

We further wish to appeal to all Local Authorities through the Ministry of Local Government, and to the Department of Immigration under the Ministry of
Home Affairs, to take proactive interest in monitoring many of these construction sites.

Illegality is often abetted by public officers entrusted with enforcing regulations on behalf of the Zambian people. This includes not only granting planning permission for drawings not prepared by registered architects and professionals, a blatant disregard for the Laws of the Land, but also issuing
work permits without due diligence.

For instance, ZIA has visited sites where foreigners lack even basic English proficiency, a clear prerequisite for obtaining a work permit, yet approvals are granted.

Such negligence, sometimes driven by personal benefit, creates a culture of non-compliance.

We urge both institutions to uphold their mandates rigorously, ensuring adherence to legal standards in construction, labor vetting, and language requirements to safeguard public integrity and national development.