THE COPPERBELTY UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

NAME: MPHATSO BANDA

SIN: 17109704

PROGRAM: BUSINESS AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT

COURSE: PROCUREMENT AND BIDDING

COURSE CODE: 382

ASSIGNMENT ONE.

DUE DATE: 22nd January, 2020

The Republic of Zambia houses one of Africa’s fastest growing economies and as such, multiple
industries are booming with the construction industry leading a number of developmental
projects. However with such projects comes various challenges such as corruption and
misappropriation of funds and other resources. Shoddy works in particular have proven to be a
serious drawback were such projects are concerned. By definition, Shoddy works are anything of
inferior quality designed to simulate superior quality (Collins dictionary 2015). Shoddy works
spawn from either using sub-standard materials, using the right materials wrongly or simply
hiring underqualified contractors. This is usually because there is a flood of workmanship for the
various job sites within the country with all looking for a way to maximize their earnings, which
often leads to the purchasing and use of cheaper material at the expense of quality.

Shoddy works have serious implications on the smooth running of any economy be it developed
or in Zambia’s case, ‘developing.’ They are considered a taxonomy of corruption that have a
high propensity to cause injury and death. An example drawn from a church in the republic of
Nigeria proves just how serious these repercussions get. The church collapsed and killed up to
160 people. Congregants said the Reigners bible church was still under construction when it was
crowded with worshippers to ordain a certain bishop. The story behind this is that the contractors
used sub-standard materials and bribed inspectors to ignore the shoddiness of their work
(Associated Press, 2016.). This article not only proves that shoddy works not only breed
corruption but also go hand-in-hand with it, and if left unchecked, causes serious injuries and
death.

Another implication of shoddy works on Zambia’s economy is that it leads to loss of faith and
confidence in the government by its citizens. This causes an atmosphere of instability as
frustration-driven citizens begin to question the competency of their leaders, which can even go
as far as strikes and other various demonstrations that slow down progress, and the smooth
running of day-to-day business. An example of this is the Cape Town shoddy construction of
government-subsidized houses in the province that delayed the projects indefinitely, adding to
the already existing housing crisis. This happened when the residents alerted the National Home
Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) to the several defects in the construction of the infill
houses. (Marvin Charles, 2019). Situations like these add to already existing problems thereby
making them worse and increasing the frustration of citizens.
Since the both the raw materials and products of Shoddy Works are inferior, the cost of
maintaining them are more expensive than would be if high quality products are used. This is
simply because the inferior quality wears and tears at a much faster rate than high quality
products. As the old saying goes ‘cheap is expensive.’ This causes a rechanneling of funds meant
for other developmental projects thereby causing not only a misuse of resources but also a
depletion. An example of this is the construction of a tarred road using substandard materials. In
a short time, the road will develop cracks and potholes, which will need filling, constructing and
remarking which costs a lot of money that in most cases is not included in the budget. At the end
of the day, shoddy works cause a loss of taxpayer’s money

A compromise in quality often comes with a compromise in looks and structure. Shoddy works
often breed structures that look anything but professional. The downside of this especially where
official government buildings are concerned is that hideous looking infrastructures seldom
inspire seriousness in civil servants and any other concerned involved parties. High quality
materials look better than poor-quality materials, and this can enhance the overall aesthetics of
your project (OZINGA 2016).

Another implication of shoddy works on the Zambian economy is that it paints a bad picture to
both local and foreign would be investors. Investors will not be keen to fund projects in countries
known for prevalent shoddy works cases and so the economy as a whole will be affected because
of the significant lack of capital in such major areas of development.

Value relates to the assessment of benefits brought by something in relation to the resources
needed to achieve it, Value for Money is a concept that relates to the optimal balance between
the benefits expected of a project and the resources expended in its delivery (CIOB, 2019). In
simple terms, it is about maximizing the impact of every kwacha spent on the project.

One way through which the Zambian government can achieve the value for money is by carrying
out a detailed analysis of all the risks involved. It is only through the knowledge of risks that
counter measures are developed. This knowledge includes that of reactions that follow in the
event of shoddy works. Once the government has a firm grip on this, the value for money in
almost certain.
Another way of ensuring the value for money in the procurement of government projects is by
carrying out a thorough background check on the contractor’s past projects, experience and
expertise. This leaves little or no room for shoddy works occurrences.
The Telegraph (2016) Nigeria Church Collapses Onto Worshippers, Killing 160. Available from:
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/10/least-10-reported-have-killed-collapse-church-
southern-nigeria/

OZINGA (2016) Problems That Arise With Poor Quality Materials. Available from:
https://blog.ozinga.com/problems-that-arise-with-poor-quality-marials/

Allafrica (2009) Nigeria: Shoddy Work on Egbeda Road. Available from:

https://allafrica.com/stories/200901260426.html

Vanguard (2019) ihedioha terminates stadium project over shoddy work. Available from:
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.vanguardngr.com/2019/10/ihedioha-terminates-stadium-
project-over-shoddy-work/amp/

INDIAN EXPRESS (2016) Poor quality materials pose risk to strength of buildings. Available
from: https://www.newindiaexress.com/cities/bengaluru/2016/oct/06/poor-quality-materials-
pose-risk-to-strength-of -buildings-1525596.html