Govt summons 3 local contractors
Published On September 3, 2015 » 2176 Views» By Davies M.M Chanda » Latest News
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•MOTA-ENGIL workers constructing concrete drainage on the Great East Road near Luangwa Bridge. Picture by CHUSA SICHONE

•MOTA-ENGIL workers constructing concrete drainage on the Great East Road near Luangwa Bridge. Picture by CHUSA SICHONE

By DELPHINE ZULU  in Chembe District  –
THE Government has summoned three local contractors for abandoning their sites in the newly-created Chembe District of Luapula Province.
Those summoned are DODs General Dealers, Techrim Construction and Stone King. They will explain why their projects are lagging behind for periods ranging from seven to nine months.
Transport, Works, Supply and Communications Deputy Minister Mutaba Mwali said his office would consider terminating their contracts in the event they failed to provide satisfactory explanations.
“I also recommend that the administration block by Bellview Tools be demolished because of shoddy work. Government will not compromise on quality because huge sums of money are being spent, the major complaint here is about supply of materials and not payments,” Dr Mwali said.
He has since called on the provincial officers under his ministry to enhance project management, finance and supervision of all projects in all the newly-created districts in Luapula Province to avoid wasting time and resources.
Dr Mwali said DODS General Dealers was awarded a contract to construct a post office at a cost of K1,850 million last year and got an advance payment of 20 per cent in January this year but were still at foundation level with works expected to finish within a year.
Techrim was building a civic centre and two high-cost houses all valued at K5,786,544 with works currently at foundation level yet they obtained an advance payment early this year.
Stone King went on site in February this year to construct 10 medium-cost houses for public service workers. The works cost of K6,696,692.30 and only two houses are at slab level while others have not yet been started.
“Even if we give you another year, you people won’t be able to manage to complete on time, these works need urgent attention. Can the provincial office organise an urgent meeting with the trio for them to show cause why their contracts should not be terminated,” Dr Mwali said.
He said his ministry would not rush into black-listing erring contractors but would consider terminating their contracts, as slowing works would not be condoned.
Dr Mwali directed that contracts should only be awarded based on one’s ability to undertake the required works.
He praised Elios Limited Construction Company for being the only local contractor to have made progress in the construction of a police station and 10 houses, a project costing K12 million.
“Elios is the only local contractor who has performed to our satisfaction in all the newly-created districts. We can be forced to recommend for more projects. Government would want to see such pace for purposes of seeing beneficiaries start accessing such facilities,” he said.
Dr Mwali was also impressed with Jemuro-X Trade Constructing Company for building 20 high-cost houses which are at roof level.

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