Quantity Surveying and Arbitration Work - Advancing Professionalism and Fairness in the Built Environment
Role: Accredited Arbitrator & Quantity Surveyor
Registered Quantity Surveyor – Architects and Quantity Surveyors Registration Board (AQRB)
Suma Mwaitenda is a registered Quantity Surveyor with over 15 years of experience in the construction industry’s pre- and post-contract cost management. She specializes in project cost planning, tender documentation, contract administration, and value-for-money auditing.
Her professional journey includes key roles in high-profile projects such as health facilities, educational infrastructure, fuel depots, and warehouse developments across Tanzania.
Arbitrator – National Construction Council (NCC) & Tanzania Institute of Arbitrators (TIArb)
Suma Mwaitenda brings a strong legal and technical foundation to her work as an arbitrator in the construction industry, where she is known for her integrity, analytical precision, and balanced approach to dispute resolution. She has served in several high-stakes cases, including:
- Arbitration between the Roads Fund Board and M/s RANS Company Ltd over a construction contract.
- Dispute involving Sharbbirdinco Ltd vs. TANROADS, concerning civil works contract execution.
- Dispute involving Mkwawa University College of Education (MUCE) vs. Epitome Architects Limited.
Her arbitration work is informed by over 15 years of professional experience in value-for-money audits, contract administration, and project supervision.
Suma’s dual identity as a Quantity Surveyor and Arbitrator ensures that technical disputes are resolved with fairness, professionalism, and a deep understanding of industry standards. She is a leading advocate for enhancing local dispute resolution capacity in Tanzania’s growing construction sector.
Leadership in the Profession
Tanzania Institute of Quantity Surveyors (TIQS)
As Vice President of TIQS, Suma has been instrumental in driving the professional development agenda for Quantity Surveyors in Tanzania. She advocated for industry standards, ethical practices, and continuous professional development. Represented the institute in national and international construction policy and infrastructure development forums. Previously served as Honorary Secretary, where she strengthened internal governance and member engagement. Her dual leadership roles reflect her stature as a thought leader in construction economics and a role model for women in the built environment sector.
Women in Africa Sustainable Infrastructure Mobility (W/ASIM)
Suma Mwaitenda currently serves as the President of Women in ASIM, a transformative platform under the Africa Sustainable Infrastructure Mobility (ASIM) initiative that advocates for the inclusion, visibility, and advancement of women in infrastructure, mobility, and sustainable development sectors across Africa. In her leadership role, Suma: Champions gender equity in infrastructure planning, development, and policy by creating opportunities for African women professionals to lead and influence decision-making at all levels. Leads cross-sectoral dialogues and partnerships to reshape infrastructure mobility through a gender-responsive lens. Mentors emerging women leaders in engineering, construction, transport, urban planning, and sustainability, fostering a new generation of female trailblazers in the built environment industries. Advocates for institutional reform, capacity building, and knowledge sharing to close the gender gap in Africa’s infrastructure systems. Through Women in ASIM, Suma leverages her background in quantity surveying, academia, and sports development to intersect technical expertise with inclusive leadership. Her presidency is marked by a bold vision: a continent where women are not only beneficiaries but also shapers of infrastructure that drives mobility, equity, and sustainable growth.