LUSAMBO KICKS OUT LUSAKA-BASED ROAD CONTRACTOR
COPPERBELT Minister Bowman Lusambo has ordered the termination of Ilinso Consultancy Company, a firm engaged to construct the Kafulafuta toll plaza.
And Mr. Lusambo has directed the Road Development Agency (RDA) to avail him a report explaining why new works have commenced on site with Avic taking over from the previous contractor engaged earlier.
Speaking when he toured the Mwanawasa toll plaza, Kafulafuta weigh bridge and the Kafulafuta toll plaza, Mr.Lusambo warned RDA will not be allowed to do illegal deals in the province.
Mr Lusambo said the government was putting in a lot of money in projects and wondered why RDA was not doing the right thing.He said the government cannot be spending money on toll plaza construction while RDA continues to terminate contracts and giving new ones.
“We cannot be spending money and no right thing is done. You (RDA) are busy terminating contracts and giving new ones.
Before Avic came on site, there were some structures. But you have demolished them and who will pay for that? Someone at the RDA is not doing the right thing with the toll plazas and will be arrested,” Mr Lusambo said
Meanwhile, Mr. Lusambo said he will not allow any company from Lusaka to do works on the Copperbelt.
Mr. Lusambo said the Copperbelt Province was critical as it contributed largely to the country’s economy hence he wanted to make sure that government projects received serious attention.
“I want to see straight things on the Copperbelt. The problem is that there is someone who is not doing the right thing or job at RDA.
“And you, the consultancy, where are you from? Lusaka? Your contract should be terminated. We have companies on the Copperbelt that can do consultancy.
“I will not allow this, that a company from Lusaka, you get jobs for our people. I’m chasing you from the Copperbelt. President Lungu has said 20 percent of sub contracts should go to the local people. Now what is this company from Lusaka doing here?” asked Mr Lusambo.
He said RDA should stop giving sub contracts to Lusaka companies because that is against the vision of President Lungu in empowering the local people.