By SAM PHIRI –

THE Government is impressed with progress on infrastructure development in many of the newly-established districts.
Works and Supply Deputy Minister Mutaba Mwali, who was recently on a marathon tour of 10 construction sites in Central, Luapula, Copperbelt and Muchinga provinces, was optimistic that most projects would be handed over to the Government before the end of this year.
Dr Mwali was particularly impressed with progress made in Lunga District on Lake Bangweulu despite the challenge of moving building materials by water transport.
“The Government has been clear from the word go on its unprecedented vision of opening up the country and taking development to remote areas that were almost forgotten like Lunga in Luapula,” Dr Mwali said.
He said the overall performance by most Zambian contractors was impressive and that the Government would give priority to such companies in future.
Out of the four provinces Dr Mwali toured, he singled out Central Province as the one that was underperforming, especially with the fact that access to construction sites was not as challenging.
“I am very disappointed with Central Province because the only site that looks promising is Chisamba. Luano and Ngabwe are a let down but we are not sitting idle on the matter because works have to continue,” Dr Mwali said.
Many projects in Luano and Ngabwe districts have either been abandoned or are at excavation level.
Dr Mwali has, however, said that more than 90 per cent of the projects were running with only a handful earmarked for termination.
He also advised contractors who did not have enough labour to employ more people so that they could complete their projects on time.
“Some of the contracts have already expired and are running on extra time. So we want to see quick progress, especially with the fact that most of these contractors have been paid,” Dr Mwali said.
Each new district has received a fair share of infrastructure that includes 33 housing units distributed as 20 low cost, 10 medium cost, two high cost, and a police station, post office, civic centre as well as an administration block.