NON-PAYMENT OF LOCAL CONTRACTORS SLOWS DOWN ACTIVITIES IN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

By Tinkerbel Mwila

The Zambian Association of Citizen Contractors –ZACCO- says the non-payment of money owed to local contractors has slowed down activities in the construction industry.

Last year, government halted the awarding of contracts and payments of local contractors in an effort to rid the construction sector of the rogue elements which seemingly did obnoxious acts to allegedly defraud the country.

But in an interview with Phoenix News, ZACCO General Secretary Danny Simumba is concerned that if government does expedite the cleaning up processes and

allow the sector back on track, the association foresees a situation where most construction companies will default and close down their businesses.

Mr. Simuumba is of the view that once payments are made to local contractors, a number of economic activities in the country will be unlocked.

He says the association is hoping to see government quickly enter into an agreement with creditors so that local contractors can resume operations and contribute the 20% of the gross domestic product that the construction sector accounts for.

PHOENIX NEWS