Tarring of Chadiza-Katete-Chipata road to begin this month

The contractor engaged to tar the road connecting Chipata, Chadiza and Katete has disclosed that the project was expected to start this month.

China State Construction Company Road Engineer Yimo Wang said the company was only awaiting for some logistics especially the road plan from government.

Mr. Wang said the company was aware that the people were anxiously waiting for the work to start but assured them not to despair as the projects will be in phases.

He said the company will require between 250 and 300 people to work when the project is at full operation.

He said the workers will be needed in categories of machine operators to drive loaders, graders, stone crashing machines and other machinery.

Mr. Wang said other works that would be available would include brick layers to work on bridges and culverts.

On 9^thApril 2013, the company employed some casual workers who are currently waiting to start work.

However out of the more than 900 people who had applied for various jobs, those who were left out, especially the illiterate, had expressed frustration and dissatisfaction at the strict method of selecting successful applicants.

The company insisted that applicants should attained education levels of grade nine and grade 12.

Mr. Wang disclosed that his company was expected to tar a total length of 150 kilometres (km) in a period of 3 years.

A check at the camp site found that the company had already mobilised road works equipment which was parked near the District hospital.

So far the company has rehabilitated the old Chadiza Council tavern in Kamwala compound to be used as contractors’ residence.

The local people in Chadiza have since expressed happiness on the grading of township roads.