. Wina

By SAM PHIRI –
VICE-PRESIDENT Inonge Wina is disappointed with the poor workmanship and slow pace by a Zambian contractor, Nyola Investment, engaged to construct Shiwang’andu Civic Centre in Muchinga Province.
Ms Wina said the K6.8 million project was way behind schedule in terms of progress compared to similar projects in other areas, which were almost complete.
She said it was disappointing that many local contractors that were entrusted to undertake such serious projects were not as serious or efficient as their foreign counterparts.
“Such behaviour of abandoning projects or taking a long time will not be tolerated because Government is spending huge sums of money to develop the new districts,” the Vice-President said.
Ms Wina summoned Nyola Investment to her office to explain why they had not given the contract the seriousness it deserved.
The vice-president said this on Friday after inspecting the construction work at the Shiwang’andu Civic Centre that had stalled at 35 per cent.
Shiwangandu Member of Paliament Steven Kampyongo said he was equally disappointed with the local contractor whom he described as a let down to the Government.
Mr Kampyongo, who is Home Affairs Minister, said contractors who were abrogating their contractual obligations should be taken to task.
The vice-president also inspected construction works at Shiwang’andu Police Station that have reached 70 per cent.
The K10 million police station, that includes 10 staff houses, is being constructed by Halyrian from China.
Ms Wina was impressed with the works, and assured the contractor that the Government would soon release funds for the speedy completion of the project.
The Chinese contractor promised to complete the project and hand it over to the Government by October should funds be made available in time.
Meanwhile, Ms Wina has assured Mpika District Commissioner Moses Katebe that the road and all stalled projects in the district will soon be completed as Government is working hard to mobilise resources.
She said this during a meeting with the district commissioner when she inspected the road.
Ms Wina said the Nabwalya Chiombo Road was critical because it would open up the area to the outside world.
Mr Katebe said once the road was opened, it would boost tourism activities in North Luangwa National Park.
The Vice-President also visited Michael Chilufya Sata Hospital where she inspected construction works under phase two, which have also stalled.
She assured Mpika District health management that the Government would ensure works were completed soon.