Construction industry players call for ‘radical’ approach

Players in the construction industry have called for a radical change to give enough space to local contractors and utilise more locally manufactured construction materials.

Speaking during a panel discussion the National Construction Industry Council (NCIC) hosted in Blantyre on Friday under the theme ‘Import substitution and job creation in the construction industry’, the players argued that this would help to reduce dependence on imports of both construction materials and contractors.

Setting the ball rolling, NCIC chief executive officer Engineer Gerald Khonje said this approach can help to transform the industry by, among others, providing the much-needed jobs.

He said there is need for a radical plan to move into action, pointing out that there are many opportunities in the construction industry within Malawi.

“We need to collaborate with various stakeholders and as NCIC, we will leverage on that as well as capitalising on the various skills that are available within the country,” he said.

In his contribution, contractor Rocky Kaunda challenged all stakeholders to translate words into action.

He said: “We have to take a radical approach with deliberate policies and follow them through to make sure they are implemented.

“For example, the Buy Malawi Strategy has to trickle down to the construction industry.”

On his part, Portland Cement Malawi business development manager Mark Chilambe said it was possible for local manufacturers to produce enough construction materials to substitute imports.

He cited the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, which was constructed using locally produced cement.

Ministry of Trade and Industry director of trade and goods Charity Musonzo said that import substitution is one major way of uplifting the local construction industry, adding that the ministry will continue to provide tax incentives to local manufacturers.