Author(s)

Wellington Didibhuku Thwala, Mpendulo Mvubu

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The paper explores the problems facing Small and Medium Size Contractors in Swaziland. The construction sector in Swaziland is not only a significant source of direct employment but also a sector which contributes, through its wide range of projects and operations. The paper will also look at the current government initiatives that had been put in place to address the challenges and problems in order to ensure that contractors are successful. There is a high failure rate among small and medium size contractors in Swaziland. These contractors fail for a variety of reasons ranging from lack of adequate capacity to handle the uniqueness, complexity and risks in contracting, lack of effective management, lack of business management, poor record keeping and inadequate technical, financial and contract managerial skills. Drawing on research on small and medium size contractors, the paper used both secondary and primary litera-ture. 100 questionnaires were distributed to different role players in the construction sector in Swaziland. The response rate was eighty seven (87) percent. The paper reveals that the most problems facing small and medium size contractors in Swaziland is lack of access to finance and late payment by government. The paper closes with recommendations and key lessons for the future.

Contractor, Construction, Employment, Small and Medium Size, Public Works

W. Didibhuku Thwala and M. Mvubu, "Problems Facing Small and Medium Size Contractors in Swaziland," Journal of Service Science and Management, Vol. 2 No. 4, 2009, pp. 353-361. doi: 10.4236/jssm.2009.24042.