Online Reporter
YOUTHS in the construction sector are lobbying Government to eliminate bottlenecks that affect their participation in local projects and are also pushing for capacitation of their businesses.
Mr Tamuka Chihota, chairperson of the youth desk of the Zimbabwe Building Contractors Association (ZBCA), said there was need for a youth quota in construction projects, including mentorship of youth-owned building and contracting companies.
“First and foremost, the process of registering a construction company is not friendly to the youths.
“The majority of the youth-owned companies are self-financed start-ups, and accessing loans from banks is an almost impossible feat.
“As youths, we do not have the capacity to compete with established companies,” he said.
The whole process of registering and awarding tenders, he said, must be revisited.
“We are appealing to Government to introduce tax breaks or concessions to established companies that subcontract and mentor young contractors.”
