The Mozambican Federation of Contractors has expressed concern that the government awards most of its building contracts to Chinese companies.

It chairperson, Manuel Pereira, said the government also failed to pay on time for those contracts awarded to local building firms.

Some had been waiting a decade for payment, he added.

He said that if the problems continued, 90% of local building companies – about 700 businesses – could close next year.

The state is the main supplier of construction work in Mozambique.

Mr Pereira said:

We all know that the state has launched bids for contractors. But such bids are directed to Chinese contractors.

We have no access to such bids. Because the works are financed by the Chinese government, they are done by their citizens.

One thing is certain. The government of Mozambique should be in mind that when Chinese contractors win the bids, they should share their works with Mozambican national contractors.”