Work on court building resumes

CONSTRUCTION of a modern magistrates’ court in Chinhoyi, which had stalled for more than 10 years, has finally resumed after Government released funds for the project.

Contractors are expected to move on site this week.

Mashonaland West public works director Mr Trymore Mutizwa confirmed that Treasury had, indeed, released funds for the works to begin.

“We are expecting that contractors will start moving on site on April 3 and they will start by clearing the place so that they can commence works,” he said.

“The project has been at a standstill for a long time and we are happy that finally there will be some movement leading to its completion.”

The skeletal outline of the aborted building, including overgrown grass and trees, are all that is currently visible at the site.

Some of the fitted window and door frames have since been vandalised, and will have to be replaced.

It is believed that scope of the current works will chew between $9 million and $12 million.

Presently, makeshift courts, which do not provide adequate room for staffers, are housed at the old Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital, which needs sprucing up.

Resumption of works follows an agreement where Government’s construction arm, the Public Works Department, has been engaged as the main contractor.

However, the department will sub-contract whenever the need arises.