In many instances, it is not the technical know-how of local contractors that is brought into question with regards road works, but a lack of appropriate equipment to complete satisfactory works.
For a long time now, there has been a cry from these contractors, that they are being sidelined in the process of awarding lucrative construction contracts around the country.
They want to compete with foreign and more established companies in contributing to construction of roads and other national infrastructure.
But history has shown that not many are able to implement the contracts, when awarded, to the satisfaction of the public and Government, because the workmanship is at times poor.
Reasons given for the shoddy works are many but most revolve around not having the necessary tools or equipment to undertake the job.
Many of the local contractors are usually those that have worked for bigger international contractors and have a fair amount of experience in road construction.
But no amount of experience will replace the need for proper equipment and as such, end up failing to deliver the required results.
Government on its part recognises the deficiencies that these local contractors have and has in the past restricted them to smaller and more manageable projects.
The biggest hurdle for local contractors has been to find the necessary financing to purchase equipment, whose cost is in millions of Kwacha.
Compared to foreign contractors with access to cheaper financing in their countries, local contractors will always come out second in the bid for road contracts.
That is why the signing of a deal between Government and an equipment supplier to help local contractors acquire equipment, is a good development.
National Road Fund Agency (NRFA) and the Road Development Agency (RDA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bell Equipment to supply the local contractors with road construction equipment.
The deal will allow contractors, that earn contracts to do road works, get equipment from Bell, while payment for the equipment would be paid directly to the supplier by NRFA.
The arrangement appears good for the local contractors because this is equipment they would normally not afford to purchase at once, but the government agencies have ensured that they pay it off in installments while guaranteeing that they will have more road jobs given to them.
With this scenario, local contractors will no longer have reason to give excuses for poor works because they will have equipment.
It is only hoped that Government will go a step further to facilitate guaranteed and affordable financing facilities for the contractors through commercial banks.
This will also help in ensuring finance for operational purposes because small businesses still find difficulties accessing the much needed finance for operations.
So much is now expected from local contractors after this agreement as echoed by Minister of Communication, Transport, Works and Supply Yamfwa Mukanga, who said contractors would grow and in turn create more jobs for the people of Zambia.
It remains now for local contractors to step up and build on this good facility and ensure that they build their own capacities.
They should invest in skilled labour and most importantly, send their workers for training so that their work will be appreciated by the public, who are the ultimate beneficiaries of the works.
Government has set the basis for contractor development by facilitating access to vital equipment and better road works should follow. It should not be a case of bad carpenters blaming their tools for the disastrous road construction.