National Metrology Institute Spreads its Tentacles in the Region

C J Matembo, Senior Information Officer, SIRDC

The National Metrology Institute (NMI) of SIRDC is confidently spreading its tentacles in the region buoyed up by its success locally and the quality service it provides to its legion of clients. Its capabilities and competence in metrology are increasingly being recognized in the region. Recently, NMI conducted training for two senior officials from the Mozambique National Metrology Institute for Standardisation and Quality. Mr Geraldo Albasini, the Head of the Metrology Department, and Mr Carlos Bacaimane underwent an intensive train-the-trainer programme that was tailored to build metrology capacity in Mozambique in the areas of volume and mass metrology. The hands on training was conducted from 6 – 31 August 2007.

The training programme covered both theoretical and practical aspects of volume and mass metrology. The practicals were conducted in the various SIRDC institutes as well as at several companies in industry. The method of instruction also involved industrial visits to observe mass and volume applications at industrial scale.

Commenting on the course, the Mozambicans highly rated the course and said that the training had exceeded their expectations. The course had added value to their knowledge and skills.

The Director of NMI, Mr Mathew Ranganai, said that offering training to the Mozambicans was in line with his institute’s mandate to disseminate measurement traceability to national and regional metrology practitioners. He added that such programmes contribute immensely towards an integrated, comparable and harmonized measurement system in the region. The regional integration and harmonization of the measurement system in turn removes technical barriers to trade and enhances sustainable economic growth.