Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe [email protected]
THE multi-million-dollar Fairgrounds Retail Centre project being developed by Terrace Africa Pvt Ltd at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) grounds is creating employment for locals, but contractors say a shortage of skilled artisans in Bulawayo is emerging as a major constraint.
The project has so far provided jobs to scores of workers, with contractors calling for increased investment in technical skills development to ensure local communities can take up more specialised opportunities created by major construction projects.
Radx project manager Mr Kurauone Ngiranda said the company currently had about 120 workers on site, including 80 locals.
At peak, he said they can employ 300.
However, he said most of the local workers were employed as general hands, while the project was struggling to find qualified artisans such as carpenters, bricklayers, electricians and plumbers.
“One problem we are encountering is skills shortages in Bulawayo such as carpenters, bricklayers, electricians and plumbers.
“At the moment we have about 80 locals but there are general hands but we also need qualified artisans,” he said.
Mr Ngiranda was speaking on the sidelines of a ministerial tour of major construction projects in Bulawayo by Special Advisor to the President Dr Joram Gumbo.
The tour included the Fairgrounds Retail Centre, which is part of ongoing investment and redevelopment initiatives aimed at unlocking the economic potential of the city.
The skills shortage indicates the challenge facing the construction sector as investment in infrastructure, commercial property and industrial projects gathers pace.
