By FRANCINA PHIRI –
HOUSING and Infrastructure Development Minister Ronald Chitotela is disappointed with Copperfield Construction Service, a contractor working on the Pedicle Road, over delays to complete the remaining 70-kilometre stretch.
Mr Chitotela said tarring of the road, bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), was an economic venture which would benefit the two countries.
The minister said delays on the road had been a critical concern for the Government especially that the contract was awarded in 2012.
Mr Chitotela said in an interview as he inspected the road works that the people of Luapula had waited for a long time for the road and the bridge to be completed, hence the need to expedite the works.
He said the Government had given the contractor enough funds to complete the work on time. The total cost of the project was K304,279,843.26.
“I was expecting the contractor to hand over the entire project this year, especially that it is long overdue,” he said.
Mr Chitotela urged the people of Luapula and Copperbelt to be patient as the contractor finalised the works.
He also warned that the Government would not accept the extension of contracts in the province.
Mr Chitotela said contractors should take their works seriously, especially that the Government was committed to developing the country.
