Govt. pushes for competitive construction industry

Government has called for a stronger and more competitive Zambian construction industry capable of creating jobs, developing local skills and driving economic growth. Ministry of Infrastructure Housing and Urban Development Permanent Secretary, Albert Malama says Zambia must…

Government has called for a stronger and more competitive Zambian construction industry capable of creating jobs, developing local skills and driving economic growth.

Ministry of Infrastructure Housing and Urban Development Permanent Secretary,  Albert Malama says Zambia must build an industry in which local construction companies can grow from small contractors into major firms.

 Prof. Malama said this in a speech read on his behalf by National Council for Construction Acting Board Chairperson, Collins Sitali at the Build Zambia 2026 Awards in Lusaka last night.

He said the country should also create opportunities for young engineers, architects, quantity surveyors, artisans and technicians to build meaningful careers.

Prof Malama added that the construction industry should embrace innovation and technology to improve productivity and ensure that infrastructure investment creates opportunities across the economy.

He noted that nations are remembered not only for the infrastructure they build, but also for the people who participate in building it, the standards they maintain and the economic opportunities they create.

“⁹We mast build an industry in which Zambian enterprises can grow from small contractors into major construction companies,” Prof Malama said.

He also commended the National Council for Construction (NCC) for creating a platform that recognises excellence and promotes higher standards in the construction sector.

And NCC Board Chairperson, Collins Sitali has urged players in the construction industry to prioritise quality, professionalism, integrity and responsibility in delivering projects.

In a speech read on his behalf by NCC Board Member Lucy Kanekwa, Mr Sitali said construction goes beyond completing projects, as infrastructure such as roads, schools, hospitals, bridges and houses directly affects people’s lives and contributes to national development.

He said the industry should focus not only on completing contracts and increasing market share, but also on protecting its reputation through quality workmanship.

 “Not only to construct more, but to even construct better,” Mr Sitali said.

Meanwhile, Image Construction Limited Founder, Jonathan Mwendabai has called on contractors undertaking Constituency Development Fund (CDF) projects to prioritise quality and ensure communities receive value for money.

Mr Mwendabai said his company’s recognition by NCC in the Small-Scale Contractors and CDF Funded Infrastructure categories has reinforced its commitment to quality project delivery.

He said Image Construction Limited has completed a veterinary office in Serenje, a 1×2 classroom block in Masaiti and health post in Chama, while a warehouse under CDF in Serenje is at an advanced stage and expected to be completed within six weeks.

Mr Mwendabai has encouraged Zambian contractors to uphold quality whenever entrusted with public projects.

“We should just ensure that we deliver, the clients need to have value for their money.”