The Maravi Post

LILONGWE--Malawi Building and Civil Engineering Contractors and Allied Traders Association (MABCATA) have accused government of not following procedures in awarding government contracts.

MABCATA expressed its reservations during its annual general meeting held in Lilongwe, saying most contractors awarded government jobs aren’t registered with MABCATA and don’t qualify to be in the association.

The gathering agreed to request government through National Construction Industry Council to stiffen the registration process to stop other people from getting certificates using shortcut methods.

Deputy Minister of Transport and Public Works Sosten Gwengwe told the association government intends to hire local contractors in major infrastructure projects.

Making its case, MABCATA’s outgoing president Joe Ching’ani said contractors who are qualified for government jobs are largely being ignored. If they get anything, they are small contracts which pay very little.

He, however, noted that during his tenure many contractors and engineers were introduced to government and non-governmental organisations which helped them to win contracts while allowing them to share knowledge and ideas on quality services to the public.

New MABCATA president Wickly Mhango of North Construction appealed to members to speak with one voice.

“Am ready to serve the group despite the many challenges this organisation is facing and which need to be addressed,” said Mhango who was once a regional chair for the organisation in the North before being elected as a vice president for MABCATA in 2009. As the association’s new president, he is expected to be on the throne for three years.
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