Local contractors come under fire

...Mutati criticises them for overpricing projects and shoddy works

LOCAL contractors have been criticised for overpricing projects when dealing with government and for their shoddy performance when awarded contracts.

Works and Supply Minister Felix Mutati said local contractors did not only over-price the cost of projects, but even when they were awarded the contracts, their work was substandard.

Mr Mutati who was addressing directors and business chief exec- utive officers in Mongu yesterday said projects carried out by local contractors were disappointing.

“Local contractors just scratch around and disappear with part payment,” he said.

He urged local contractors to be sensible when dealing with government as overpricing and shoddy works slowed down economic development in the country.

Mr Mutati also announced that funds had been released for the construction of the 17 kilometres Mongu-Limulunga road in Western Province.

The ministerwho made the announcement yesterday when he paid a courtesy call on the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE), said that a contractor awarded to build the road had already been paid and would be on site before month end.

The BRE head of administration (Ngambela), Nyambe Mwenda earlier questioned why the road was not being worked on despite several calls on government to do so because the road was in a deplorable condition.

Mr Mutati also said he would consult his fellow minister on the status of the other projects such as the planned construction of Lewanika University and modern stadia as requested by the traditional leadership.

“On the Mongu-Limulunga road, I’m glad to inform you that funds for that road have already been released and the contractor has been paid so we expect him on site before the end of the month. For the other projects allow me to go and consult my colleagues in charge,” he said.

The BRE leader also bemoaned the dilapidated state LusakaMongu road was in and the minister also promised to make follow ups.

Meanwhile, Mr Mutati earlier charged during a meeting with directors and chief executive officers of businesses in Mongu that the works on major projects carried out but local contractors were disappointing.

He stressed the need for local contractors to avoid overpricing the projects and shoddy works when engaged as these were slowing down economic development.

And Mr Mutati said that Mongu district was a sleeping giant which needed to be awakened by revamping economic activities.