By SAM PHIRI –
THE Government has approved the termination of contracts for some contractors in Luano District, Central Province, for non-performance of various development projects.
Works and Supply Deputy Minister Mutaba Mwali, who is inspecting Government projects in various districts, is not pleased with the stagnation of works at construction sites despite the contractors being issued with warnings in November last year.
Dr Mwali said it was disappointing to find projects earmarked for hand-over in May this year were way behind schedule and still at foundation level.
The Government has pumped more than K40 million into the Luano project, and Dr Mwali was confident that he would find progress, especially after issuing two warnings to the contractor.
He said the Government was serious about implementing development projects and was working round-the-clock to ensure that they were completed on time.
“Zambian contractors should be serious when awarded such tenders, because the Government is spending a lot of money on these projects. So with such contractors, we will have no option but to recommend termination of their contracts,” he said.
Dr Mwali, who is inspecting projects in Central, Muchinga, Northern and Luapula provinces, was, however, pleased with the progress rate in Chisamba, Central Province, where most of the projects were close to completion.
He said it was the desire of the Government and President Edgar Lungu to take development to the remotest areas of the country as promised by the ruling party.
Acting Chisamba District Commissioner Grace Mwinga said the development had improved the morale of civil servants and was confident of increased investment in the district.