By PETER SICHALI
WE expect the new Government to take the 20 per cent subcontracting policy seriously to grow capacity of local firms, Zambian Association of Citizen Contractors (ZACCO) President Mutale Mpepo has said.
He said the 20 per cent sub-contracting policy has potential to build capacity of Zambian owned construction firms.
Mr Mpepo said currently foreign contractors, who accounted for less than 20 percent of registered contractors, had a share of over 80 percent of the contracts.
He said if well implemented, the policy would help local contractors to build capacity and handle big contracts.
Mr Mpepo said the continued awarding of 80 per cent of contracts to foreign firms has contributed to externalization of funds.
“In order to enhance the capacities and participation of local contractors in construction sector, the new administration should take the implementation of 20 per cent sub-contracting policy seriously,” Mr Mpepo said.
Mr Mpepo said most of the local contractors have had complaints on the implementation of the policy.
