Several construction companies in Angola’s Huíla Province, which carried out government-contracted projects, are still awaiting payment of 900 million kwanzas for services rendered between 2021 and 2024. According to the president of the Huíla Civil Construction Contractors Association, eleven companies have had their payment claims certified out of a total of 40 members—most of whom are still waiting for certification of debts owed by the State, some dating back over ten years.
“At this moment, if ten out of the 40 companies in the Association are operating—opening their doors, paying taxes to the State and salaries to their employees—it’s already a stroke of luck, which deeply concerns us,” the representative said.
Luís Salvaterra added that, given the current national and provincial economic situation—where private infrastructure initiatives are scarce—public tenders from the government for the construction of schools, hospitals, tertiary roads, and other projects have become a lifeline for micro and small enterprises.
In order to avoid bankruptcy and recover their money, many companies have had to negotiate with Banco BAI, whereby the bank pays the contractor the value of the payment order while retaining 13 percent as a service fee.
Source: Jornal de Angola
