Delayed Ndola-Mufulira road rehab irks state
THE rehabilitation of the Ndola-Mufulira-Mokambo road is moving at a slow pace prompting Government to summon the contractor, Inyatsi Construction Limited.
Inyatsi construction limited Zambia jointly with Marks industries limited was awarded a K701.7 million contract to rehabilitate the Ndola-Mufulira-Mokambo road in July, 2016.
Housing and Infrastructure Development Minister Ronald Chitotela has directed Road Development Agency (RDA) to summon Inyatsi construction limited to explain why there had been a delay in completing the project.
Mr Chitotela regretted that there had been inordinate delay to complete the project yet Government paid the contractor way back.
Mr Chitotela expressed displeasure at the snail’s pace the project was progressing which covers a stretch of 79.8 kilometres.
He was however impressed with the works so far done by Marks industries limited on the same project.
The Minister was speaking at the weekend during the tour of the project.
He directed RDA to summon Inyatsi construction limited and ensure the road was done without further delay.
“I am not satisfied with the pace at which the contractor is working. It is not good thing that after the launch, Government pays you, then you delay completion,” Mr Chitotela said.
Mr Chitotela who was accompanied by RDA director for construction and rehabilitation George Manyele said Government was desirous that the road was done on time and to the expectation of the Zambian people.
Mr Manyele also expressed disappointment with Inyatsi and added that he would summon the contractor in Lusaka.
Mr Manyele said RDA would engage Inyatsi to discuss the matter and ensure the project was completed soon.
He also assured the Minister that RDA would upscasle its monitoring so that contractors did not do shoddy works on the on-going road projects.