ONE unintended consequence of the government's procurement policy is that many entrepreneurs have ironically become worse off after taking advantage of state opportunities.

ONE unintended consequence of the government's procurement policy is that many entrepreneurs have ironically become worse off after taking advantage of state opportunities.

Some entrepreneurs have found these opportunities to be a poisoned chalice, especially when government contracts were their only source of income .

One would have expected government departments to have overcome this difficulty 15 years into our democracy - but sadly it is not so.

Complaints abound about late or nonpayments that have resulted in the collapse of scores of firms.

Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies raised the issue this week Many companies, he said, were forced to wait 90 instead of 30 days for payment.

To deal with the problem Davies has introduced a hotline.

Though long overdue the service is most welcome.