CONTRACTORS CRY FOR DUES

By SIMON MUNTEMBA LOCAL contractors expect the new Government to quickly address the issue of unpaid dues for construction projects already executed across the country, the National Association for Small and Medium Scaled Contractors has said. The association’s Eastern Province chairperson,  Mr Patrick Chalwe called on Government under the leadership of President-elect Hakainde Hichilema to consider the plight of local contractors. In an interview, Mr Chalwe said contractors were confident the new government would prioritise settling of unpaid dues for construction projects across the country. He said some projects had stalled due to non-payment of dues and that the incoming government should ensure the matter was resolved. “We expect the Government of Mr Hichilema to look into our plight. We expect to see an improved construction sector, which also involves the revisiting of policies that promote an enabling working environment for contractors,” Mr Chalwe said. He said the local contractors wanted bigger volumes of work so that they could build their capacity. Mr Chalwe said it was through carrying out bigger projects that they could build capacity, create employment and contribute to economic development.