Senior state officials and industry leaders gathered in the capital to advocate for structural modernization, tighter financial management, and enhanced transparency within the national construction ecosystem.
The calls for reform took center stage during the Annual General Meeting of the Cyprus Association of Quantity Surveyors and Construction Economists (SEEOKK), where members reviewed the profession’s growing institutional footprint over the past year.
State Backing for Modern Fiscal Practices
The assembly received strong political backing from Transport, Communications, and Works Minister Alexis Vafeadis. Addressing attendees, the Minister emphasized that sound financial administration, clear accountability, and the adoption of modern, organized workflows are absolutely critical to the long-term health of the construction sector.
This sentiment was mirrored by Konstantinos Constantis, President of the Cyprus Scientific and Technical Chamber (ETEK), who stressed that deep collaboration between various scientific and technical bodies is essential to elevate professional standards across the industry.
Targeting Risk Mitigation and Academic Development
In his keynote address, SEEOKK President Petros Mikallos focused on the strategic value that construction economists bring to complex real-world developments. He noted that elevating the legal and institutional standing of quantity surveyors directly correlates with better project delivery.
Enhanced financial planning and clear accountability bring several key benefits:
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Predictable Execution: Minimizes surprise expenditures during building phases.
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Conflict Reduction: Establishes a transparent, clear allocation of contractual responsibilities.
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Efficiency: Actively reduces the frequency of costly legal disputes, claims, and project delays.
Furthermore, leadership revealed that SEEOKK is currently working alongside the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KEVE) to establish a dedicated, state-university academic path for future quantity surveyors on the island, securing a reliable pipeline of qualified local talent.
Honoring Societal Contributions in Crisis Zones
The assembly also took a moment to highlight the civic role of the profession, honoring members who volunteered to assess structural damages following the devastating fires in the Limassol mountains.
Organizers pointed out that the surveyors’ ability to deliver documented, objective, and transparent cost valuations was instrumental in helping affected communities smoothly navigate recovery and insurance processes.
Source: Stockwatch.com.cy