Kasune calls for investigation on stalled Police project

Central Province Minister Princess Kasune has called for an investigation to establish how the contractor engaged to build the K8 Million Chibombo Police Station has abandoned the project demanding for an upward adjustment of the cost of the project after being paid over 80 percent of the contract sum.

Ms Kasune wondered why the contractor Zamchin Construction Company halted the construction works at 50 percent after being paid over K6 Million in advance.

She said this when she inspected the works which have stalled for over five years.

“I think we need to investigate why the works are standing at 50 percent yet the contractor was paid more than 80 percent. It doesn’t make sense,” she said.

Ms Kasune said she would pursue the matter to the latter to ensure the construction works are completed to service the people of Chibombo.

She advised Officer incharge Simon Mwansa to secure the site saying there was need to start landscaping to prevent it from deteriorating and termite invasion of the incomplete structure which was abandoned for a long time.

And District Commissioner, Loyd Kayeke said some Police officers were squatting at the old council building which was not adequate.

Mr Kayeke said the completion of the project would help with office accommodation for the officers and cell spaces for inmates.

“Our officers do not have adequate office accommodation,” he said.

Police in-charge Simon Mwansa said the contractor refused to resume the works demanding an upward adjustment of the contract to cater for fluctuating costs of building materials over time.

Mr Mwansa said efforts to bring the contractor to negotiate failed as he wanted to be paid more.

He observed that though the structure was fully built and roofed, and door frames installed, the ceiling board and the floor were not done.

The officer in-charge highlighted that the project included the construction of a police station and an ablution block.

“The building will consist of the inquiries office, administrative offices, an armory, and four cells for adults and juveniles among others,” said Mr Mwansa.