Calls have been made for greater involvement of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in major development projects, amid concerns that local businesses are being sidelined in favour of external contractors.

The concerns were raised by Zambezi Governor Dorothy Kabula during an engagement with the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Accounts and Economy.

Kabula said the ongoing Bukalo-Ngoma pipeline project is expected to benefit communities between Bukalo and Ngoma, including Muyako, Kabbe, Lusese, Ikumwe and surrounding villages.

The project aims to improve access to clean, fresh piped water in these communities.

Kabula questioned why local businesses continue to incur registration and compliance costs through institutions such as the Social Security Commission and the Business and Intellectual Property Authority (BIPA), yet struggle to secure opportunities that would enable them to operate and grow.

She said local SMEs should be given meaningful opportunities to participate in construction and infrastructure projects, rather than being engaged only as casual labourers.

She warned that sidelining local businesses deprives communities of employment, skills transfer and opportunities to develop the capacity to become independent contractors.

Kabula called on the Parliamentary Standing Committee to investigate the matter and ensure that local SMEs benefit meaningfully from major development projects.