TRYNESS MBALE, Lusaka
A FINLAND-BASED Construction Company is eyeing the Zambian market to address the housing deficit through the introduction of new technologies such as precast construction solutions.
BMS Engineering Oy Company director Juha Soilu said in an interview recently that with its technology it plans to build over 1,000 houses annually in the country if land is availed to them.
Mr Soilu said the company is in talks with local investors to partner with and will soon open a branch to enable it transfer its technology as there is a lot of potential in the real estate sector.
Currently, Zambia has an estimated housing deficit of three million housing units.
“We intend to open a branch in Zambia. I have come on a fact finding mission to see how we can contribute to the construction sector. There is a lot of potential in the Zambian construction sector in terms of building houses, and with our technology, we can help bridge the gap.
“For now, I cannot disclose how much we are going to invest, we will be able to know after the tour,” Mr Soilu said.
The company produces comprehensive precast construction solutions, and their full service solutions include profitability analysis for production, factories, planning, production planning, organising equipment procurement, and logistics, as well as installation at construction sites.
He said once it establishes a branch in the country, the company will initiate factory production, provide management services and train factory personnel.
Mr Soilu also said the firm’s desire is to work with locals everywhere it has presence so that when it leaves, they can continue operating because they would have acquired the skills needed.
BMS Engineering Oy Company has presence in India, Finland and Switzerland.