Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
The Small and Medium Contractors Association of Zambia has called for equal distribution of contracts by government to foreign and local contractors.
Association President Mutale Mpepo says it is worrying and unfair that the government prefers foreign contractors at the expense of the local ones.
Mr Mpepo says it is very clear that giving foreign contractors contracts has less benefit to the country compared to empowering local contractors.
He states that it is sad that while the government is quick in castigating local contractors for doing shoddy works, it is slow in doing the same to foreign contractors who do substandard works.
Mr. Mpepo explains that in the road construction sector for example, roads are supposed to last for about fifteen to twenty years, but that some of the roads done by foreign contractors are damaged even before the contractor can finish the whole stretch.