Foreign Contractors connive with local people for contracts

Government has unearthed a scam in which
foreign contractors are conniving with local people to get road
contracts.

Works and Supply Deputy Minister Malama Mwimba said Government will
deal firmly with individuals involved in the scourge.

Mr Mwimba said it is unacceptable that contracts meant for Zambian
contractors should be stolen from them by foreign companies.

He told ZANIS in an interview over the weekend that Government will
not take kindly any person caught in the act saying there was need to
build capacity in local companies for them to compete favourably with
international firms.

Mr Mwimba said time was ripe for the nation to try local contractors
in construction projects to enhance their capabilities so that they
can in future begin working on more robust projects.

He said projects meant for local contractors needed to be given to
them, saying those found cheating risk being prosecuted.

Mr Mwimba stated that there was need for the Road Development
Agency (RDA) to strictly monitor local contractors to ensure they do
quality works.

Meanwhile, Sinazongwe United Party for National Development (UPND)
Richwell Siamunene commended Government for swiftly responding to a
disaster that struck in his area where some bridges were washed away.

Mr Siamunene who is Commerce, Trade and Industry Deputy Minister said
Government’s quick response to disasters gives people hope that the
State would improve their wellbeing.

Government has dispatched a team of Defence personnel to Sianzongwe
district to work on bridges that were washed away following heavy
rains.