Leaders call for bigger share of contracts to local contractors

Embu, Sunday, May 21, 2023 

K.N.A By Samuel Waititu

Leaders in Embu have called for a bigger share of ongoing multi-million construction projects in the county to go to local contractors.

Some of the ongoing and upcoming projects include rehabilitation of Embu Stadium, construction of Njukiri Sports Complex, Storey market, Affordable Housing, Industrial Park and upgrading of feeder roads within Embu CBD to bitumen standards.

Local contractors have in the past complained of being left out of big projects with the Government opting to go for foreign firms.

However, Kirimari Ward MCA Ibrahim Swaleh, said though many may not have capacity to handle big projects, they could be subcontracted to take on some aspects of the works.

This, he said, will help them build capacity as well as aid in keeping money in circulation within the local economy to support the community around where it can also be reinvested.

“We want to see a chunk of the construction projects being awarded to local contractors so that the money that is being brought in remains here and helps our people, “he said.

Eagle 1 Concrete and Machineries Ltd. Head of Marketing, Paul Gatimu, said the majority of local construction companies had come of age and were well able to execute big projects.

“As local contractors, we ought to benefit from these projects either through direct award of contracts or indirectly through subcontracting whereby we can supply materials to contractors,” he said.

He said the opportunity will also enable them to offer job opportunities to the unemployed youths which will go a long way in keeping them away from crime, drugs and alcoholism.

On her part, Keziah Wachira, who operates an asphalt roller machine with a local construction company said the ongoing projects had enabled her secure employment to fend for herself.

She challenged fellow young girls to pursue technical courses that are more marketable with numerous employment opportunities.

Courtesy K.N.A