By MILDRED KATONGO –
GOVERNMENT has evaluated bids and submitted the shortlisted consultants to the African Development Bank (AfDB) for granting of a no-objection to issue the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Nacala Road Corridor development project costing US$7.5 million.
The ministry of Works and Supply set aside the funds to engage a consultant to finalise the designs for the construction of the Mwami/Mchinji border post expected to commence next year under phase four.
Ministry of Works and Supply director Nicholas Chikwenya said once the AfDB had given the ministry the no-objection vote, the RFP would be issued to invite for technical and financial proposals.
Mr Chikwenya said in an interview that upon reviewing the proposals and awarding of contract by the end of next month, the consultant should institute the studies by November and conclude in March next year.
“The Nacala Road Corridor project is still at procurement stage, we have received and evaluated bids and submitted the shortlist to the African Development Bank for granting of a no-objection to issue the Request for Proposals.
“Once the bank gives us the no-objection possibly before the end of this month, we shall issue the RFP to invite technical and financial proposals,” he said.
He said civil works would start in the second quarter of next year and the project was expected to be completed in December, 2018.
Mr Chikwenya said the Zambian Government, through the ministry of Works and Supply and the Roads Authority of Malawi, had extended their invitation to all consultants who would be able to finalise the designs for the construction of the Mwami/Mchinji border post expected to begin next year.
He said the eligibility criteria, establishment of the shortlisted consultants, and the selection procedure were done in accordance with the AfDB rules.