Zim construction calls government for protection against foreign contractors

The construction industry has called for government support and protection in light of stiff competition from foreign contractors.

The embattled construction industry has been facing financial constraints since the hyperinflationary period in the country and is calling for protectionist measures.

The local industry believes government, which is a major contractor, is awarding 100% of local projects to foreign firms, thus relegating Zimbabweans to manual labourers.

Appearing before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Budget and Finance, Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) Industrial Association Chairperson, Mr Daniel Garwe appealed to government to help the sector recapitalise saying most contractors have been forced to shut down.

Mr Garwe highlighted that although Statutory Instrument 171 of 2002 compels government to contract locals, it is not being adhered to by the State Procurement Board.

The local construction industry, which is undercapitalised has obsolete equipment but has to compete with foreign firms which have state of the art machinery.

Comments