Story by Aifheli Mudau
INFORMAL contractors have been urged to formalise their businesses for them to qualify for public tenders as the Second Republic continues to create vast opportunities for local companies.
The Zimbabwe Building Contractors Association (ZBCA)’s southern region engagement held in Bulawayo this Wednesday saw stakeholders discussing opportunities created by the Second Republic.
“I am still new in this industry, but today I have learnt how to get government tenders or any project from other companies,” a participant said.
“We are registered, but the problem is we did not know how to grow our company and to be compliant. Every time we see some government institutions, especially ZIMRA visiting us, we become afraid but I now understand the advantages of being compliant,” another said.
The workshop also highlighted the benefits associated with being a registered contractor.
“First as a contractor, you need to understand your capabilities in terms of resources including your finance muscle. Once you are good to go, you stand a high chance of getting tenders that dovetail well with what you can do,” a civil engineer, Francis Mangwendeza said.
“Contractors should know that there are vast opportunities for all registered contractors including financial assistance. Most contractors, especially from this southern region complain that they don’t get tenders, but unfortunately, most of them are not registered, so we are encouraging them to do the right thing,” ZBCA’s Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Joyline Zindaga said.
Zimbabwe is expected to save millions of dollars in foreign currency by contracting local companies in key infrastructure projects as government forges ahead with the devolution agenda.
Local building contracting entities are currently taking part in key devolution projects such as road works, dam construction, as well as construction of clinics and schools across the country.
