Melo News | Tuesday, May 21, 2024 | Lusaka
Technology and Science Minister Felix Mutati says the 20 percent local subcontracting on the Lusaka-Ndola Dual Carriageway project is expected to accelerate skills transfer to local Zambian companies.
Mr. Mutati says the decision by government to construct the road under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model has empowered local companies to access contracts from the US$650 million contract given to the concessionaire.
Speaking at 13 Miles area in Chibombo District in Central Province this morning during the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Lusaka-Ndola Dual Carriageway project, Mr. Mutati said President Hakainde Hichilema made a commitment to empower local companies in major projects.
Mr. Mutati said the subcontracting of local companies forms part of the broader picture of job creation in the nation.
He says the New Dawn Government puts private sector participation in the economy as a priority in an effort to improve skills for locals.
He said by allowing local companies to be part of the project, government wants them to grow their capacity so that in future they can get larger contracts under the PPP model.
Meanwhile, Mr. Mutati has urged Avic International, which will be constructing the Lusaka-Ndola Dual Carriageway, to utilise experts from the Ministry of Technology and Science to impart skills in youths who will be employed during the construction stage.
Mr. Mutati says his Ministry will be available next week to meet the civic leaders in Chibombo District and officials from Avic International to offer expertise to youths who will employed for various jobs during the construction of the road.
Government awarded the US$650 million dollars project to upgrade the Lusaka-Ndola including the Luanshya-Fisenge-Masangano road under the Public Private Partnership model for a period of three years.
Macro Ocean Consortium, who are concessionaire, will then operate and maintain the road for a period of 23 years.
