The Role of the Engineer in Development

The role of the engineer in development can be best understood with respect to the
engineering method and project cycle. The steps of the above methods are; project
appraisal, feasibility studies, project selection; design, tendering and evaluation,
construction and operations and maintenance. The Engineer as a Client, Consultant,
Contractor and Researcher is explained.
CLIENT
A Client is an individual, organization or group of organizations that makes a formal
application for project implementation against the standard set by the Sectors
Principles and Criteria. To facilitate the training of engineers Ministries, Departments
and Agencies second their staff especially the younger engineers to work with
Consultants and exposed to methods of analysis design and supervision. This works
well in building the capacity of its staff
Project Appraisal
A Client would identify a problem e.g. a need for water supply, road or electricity
scheme and prepare a project (investment) proposal, which would include cost
estimates for the investment. This proposal is then appraised by Government or
Development Partners e.g. European Union, World Bank, African Development Bank
for the commitment of funding. Once this is approved, funds are then committed
towards this project.