MINISTER of Finance Alexander Chikwanda says Government will not tolerate continued delays in completing development projects because procrastination increases the costs.
Speaking when he commissioned the Nakonde border facility here yesterday, the minister said delaying public sector projects has cost implications and this is to the detriment of taxpayers and national development.
Mr Chikwanda said Government requires modern facilities to increase tax collection to raise revenue needed to invest in socio-economic projects such as roads, schools and health facilities.
“With the many competing demands on our meagre public resources, it is unacceptable that because of delays, the cost of projects in Zambia should continue to skyrocket beyond the regional and international standards for similar projects,” Mr Chikwanda said.
He said completion of the Nakonde border post project took too long when the infrastructure is needed to ensure efficient and effective export and import facilitation.
“This cannot be achieved with poor infrastructure, coupled with delays and poor working culture, among border staff,” he said.
Nakonde border post has been a source of tax revenue and is a major link between Zambia and East Africa, Europe and the middle and Far East.
The minister expects both non-tax and tax revenue collection leakages to be curbed and mitigation of vices such as smuggling and under-invoicing of taxable imports.
the pressure of inefficient border operations will be lessened and travellers through Zambia and Tanzania will be treated to efficient services.
The construction of the Nakonde border post started in August 2009 and was scheduled to be completed in October 2011 but that the contractor awarded the contract on a private public partnership (PPP) basis failed to complete the project.
The initial contractor, China Jiangxi, was recalled and completed the project.
And Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) commissioner general Berlin Msiska said Nakonde border post collected K1.6 billion in 2014.
the border collects an average of K4.6 million per day making it the second largest income generating border after Chirundu.
Mr Msiska said the new border post will improve operational efficiency and productivity in revenue administration.
Nakonde border processes between 350 and 400 entries per day.
Mr Msiska also said the implementation of modernisation reforms that ZRA has embarked on has resulted in the awarding of contracts worth K38 million for various projects.
The projects under the modernisation reforms include construction of staff houses in Kazungula, Mokambo, Chinsali, Mwami and Choma.
Other projects include construction of new border facilities at Chanida, offices at Kasumbalesa, 20 hotel rooms at the ZRA training centre, scanning yard at Kapiri Mposhi and rehabilitation works at Tazara.
Meanwhile, Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communications Yamfwa Mukanga reaffirmed Government’s commitment to working with any private sector partner willing to uplift the status of Nakonde.
The minister urged public service workers to be focused and to maintain the the newly constructed facilities at Nakonde border post.
Muchinga Province permanent secretary Bright Nundwe said the commissioning of Nakonde border post will ease congestion and enhance trade between Zambia and Tanzania.
Delays by who? Sorry mr. Chikwanda!! Kaingu just told us Govt has no money to complete construction of schools. He pleaded for help from Chinese ambassador, who said China will sponsor students to study in China. With no money in coffers, we will see projects stall indefinitely.
Hon. Chikwanda,
Can you PLEASE clarify your contractual financial obligation to various contractors as it is evident that you and your fellow Hon. Minister Kaingu are contradicting each other.
Mr. Chikwanda sir, be told also that we (Zambians) will not tolerate continued Borrowings in the name of completing developmental projects because increased borrowings is a sign of poor governance.
So you won’t tolerate projects being completed late, but you expect contractors to tolerate late payments from you?
CHIKWANDA HAS NO WILL-POWER TO SERVE AS ZAMBIA’S FINANCE MINISTER. PF IS SIMPLY A CIRCUS!
The boarder facility was almost completed in MMD government but i wonder why it took long?
Mr.Minister its you and your government who even terminated the contract of the genuine contractor are you not ashamed that you brought the same contractor you chased after your cadres failed to do the work?
The government is up for nothing country men and women.
Chikwanda and son are thieves who have stolen $25 million meant for KKI development. To acuse contractors for delay in completing developments when they are not being paid is typical of PF Ubufi. Muli ba pompwe.
Lies from old Chikwanda is shameful. This defines the culture where Chikwanda hails from.
They ate the same food but vomitig different .just waiting for big guy Kambwili to vomit his,,,
Really laughable but you will tolerate youselves to pay contractors late…empty tin fossil chikwanda!!
i can`t believe this guy is still our finance minster ! the reason contractors have stopped is because you havent paid them…..it can`t be just a coincidence
…….hope this chap does not go borrow more money now