Northern Province Deputy Permanent Secretary Beauty Undi Phiri has expressed disappointment with the slow pace of construction works of chiefs’ palaces in Mporokoso and Lunte Districts. Speaking when she inspected the two projects, Ms Phiri said it is unacceptable that works were still at five percent progress since construction began in February this year. Ms. Phiri also wondered why building materials were not delivered to both sites. “There is nothing to show here, this box you have done is only five percent of work and yet you are supposed to complete by September. You are giving a bad name to government.” Ms Phiri said. The Deputy Permanent Secretary was also disappointed with the poor quality of some blocks at the site for Chief Shibwalya Kapila’s palace in Lunte District. She said government wants to ensure that chiefs palaces are handed over by September and will not entertain any delay by contractors. Ms. Phiri added that the New Dawn Administration has given an opportunity to Zambian contractors to be empowered but is not happy with those abusing government’s policy. “We said let us give chance to our local contractors to do projects, but you are now letting us down, this is not what we at all.” She said, she also expressed concern that some contractors were awarded more than one project and are now failing to execute the work effectively. And Chief Shibwalya Kapila of the Bemba People of Lunte District has appealed to the provincial administration to engage the contractor to find a solution to the delayed works. He said it is worrying that very little progress has been recorded on a project whose duration was meant to be six months. Earlier, Provincial Local Government Principal Engineer James Musonda said his office has written to the contractor over the matter. Mr. Musonda added that his office is keenly monitoring the project and will ensure that provisions of the contract are followed before recommending any further action.When contacted via phone, site engineer Edgar Namayala blamed the delay on challenges in transporting building materials as a result of poor road network.Government engaged Trans Atlantic Ventures Limited to construct Chief Mumpolokoso and Chief Shibwalya Kapila palaces in Mporokoso and Lunte Districts respectively.

By Nkweto Ngoshe

ZANIS