-States threatens to terminate contract

States threatens to terminate contract

Mongu, May 30, 2013, ZANIS—Government has warned that it will terminate the contract of a Kitwe based construction firm engaged to build the Muoyo water project in Nalolo district in western province.

The project is expected to cost KR4.6 million and was launched by President Michael Sata last month in April with the aim of providing piped water to the villagers.

Local government and housing deputy minister Forrie Tembo sounded the warning in Nalolo yesterday during a visit to the project site.

This follows his findings during the visit that the construction company, Logical Systems,  has not made any significant progress to construct the water project.

Mr Tembo emphasised that government will not hesitate to terminate the contract unless  the construction firm makes progress at the site of the project.

Speaking at the construction site, Mr. Tembo expressed disappointment that the pace at which the project was going is very worrisome considering that the rainy season would  commence in three months time.

Mr. Tembo stated that government is in a hurry to bring development closer to the people and hence contracts of this nature should be taken as serious business.

The deputy minister stressed that unnecessary delays on the project may begin to send wrong messages to the people in the area.

He has since urged the constructor to speed up works on the project adding that government is committed to ensuring that piped water is provided to all the citizens across the country.

And Western Water and Sewerage Company Mongu district senior manager Stanley Simubali explained that works on the project delayed because there was an omission of mobilisation funds which has been resolved.

Mr. Simubali said so far, excavation of the wall fence and laying the water network are almost complete.

President Michael Sata launched the Muoyo water project last month in April at a total cost of KR 4.6 million.