Chinese firm deserts projects

A CHINESE construction company, Mangoe Tree has reportedly abandoned government projects in Eastern Province after being paid over three-quarters of the contractual fees.

7he firm Zas contracted by Government to build Mutumbata and Kapoche secondary schools in Petauke and Sinda but allegedly abandoned the works after being paid over three-quarters of the fee with over K10 million being paid for the projects last month.

This came to light when special assistant to the President for Project. ,mplementation and 0onitoring, Andrew Chellah, who is in the province to inspect government-funded projects, found that the foreign contractor had deserted the two sites.

Mr Chellah, who toured the two construction sites was shocked and infuriated that the contractor had chosen to abandon work at the two schools which were at 90 percent completion when the government had paid him.

Mr Chellah, who immediately called the Chinese contractor was more infuriated after he (the Chinese confirmed haYing receiYed the funds last month to complete works but failed to give a reasonable answer why he was not on site.

“We are very disappointed with this foreign contractor that he has chosen not to go on sites to complete the works when government did its part by releasing funds last month. “Government paid this particular contractor last month K631, 488.52 to complete works at Mutumbata and K9, 728, 060.26 for Kapoche Secondary 6chool but , am surprised he has chosen not to go on site to complete work.

“We will engage the line ministry and take remedial action because my ȯce Zill not tolerate this behaviour by a foreign contractor,” Mr Chellah said.

Mr Chellah said the government was dismayed that projects whose completion was at 90 percent had stalled when funds were released to complete them.