The South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) and construction machinery company Bell Equipment have signed a memorandum of understanding that will give small contractors access to earthmoving machinery to allow them to participate more meaningfully in major construction projects. The companies noted in a joint statement issued this week that access to sophisticated equipment used in construction has been identified as one of the biggest hurdles facing emerging companies. They often do not have the capital to buy the machinery used for excavations, ground moving and the grading of roads.