By THANDIWE MOYO in Siavonga –
GOVERNMENT has warned contractors engaged to build various structures in Siavonga that they risk losing   contracts if they don’t expedite the works.
Works and Supply deputy minister Mutaba Mwali who was in Siavonga to check on the progress of various projects said Government would  terminate contracts for contractors who had delayed completion of the projects in the district.
Dr Mwali said he was not happy with the slow pace at which  contractors were working because the projects had taken too long.
The projects which include the Civic centre, low, medium and high cost housing units for civil servants, were still at slab level while the police  station and administration block were at window level.
“We shall not tolerate a situation where some contractors are under performing, we give them money to carry out projects, but they seem not to work according to our expectations,” he said.
Dr Mwali said Government would sternly deal with contractors frustrating Government’s efforts to develop Zambia.
The upcoming development infrastructure is meant to change the living standards of Siavonga residents and would enhance tourism.
The deputy minister said the dynamics of wealth and job creation in Zambia were being seen  in  construction ventures.
Dr Mwali wondered why most Zambian contractors did not perform well compared to foreign contractors and yet Zambia was their country.
He said when he inspected projects in Chirundu that, he was impressed with what the local contractors were doing.
However, Netweb Investment director who was assigned to construct 10 medium cost houses in Siavonga said he had challenges with the landscape and that the workers had gone on a festive  seasonal break.
Meanwhile, Siavonga District Commissioner Lovermore Kanyame said he was equally disappointed at the sluggish attitude of the contractors in the district.