By NATASHA KANA –
THE Government has called on contractors across the country to develop a culture of good workmanship to produce quality and durable works to save public resources.
Works and Supply Minister Yamfwa Mukanga, said construction was one of the key sectors hence the need for contractors to adhere to stipulated standards.
“It is our belief as Government that this is a key sector that is poised to grow the economy of this country, there is a great need for change of attitudes by developing a culture of good workmanship in the construction industry,” Mr Mukanga said.
The minister was speaking when he opened the asphalt road construction training project for National Association of Medium and Small Scale Contractors (NAMSSC) training workshop at Pamodzi Hotel in Lusaka yesterday.
The asphalt road construction training project is aimed at supporting local small scale contractors due to the critical role they play in the implementation of Government road construction projects.
“This will in turn lead to the growth of the Zambian contractors and make them competitive in the road sector thereby contributing to the creation of decent jobs for Zambians,” he said.
The Bank of Zambia (BoZ) 2013 annual report shows that the growth in construction sector was 13.6 per cent in 2013 compared to 12.4 per cent in 2012.
Mr Mukanga further directed the Road Development Agency (RDA), to allocate a portion of the 20 per cent to subcontractors to the training graduates as a way of showing appreciation to the Netherlands Government for the support rendered to the Zambian contractors.
NAMSSC president Mutale Mpepo thanked Government for its commitment towards the advancement of the small scale contractors in the country.
The training project was facilitated by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) of the Dutch Government for the small scale contractors in the road construction sector through a partnership between NAMSSC and Soma of Netherlands.