Authorities in Mufulira district in Copperbelt Province have questioned the criteria used by the Zambia National Tender Board (ZNTB) and the Road Development Agency (RDA) in the awarding of contracts to a named firm that has been singled out to rehabilitate five roads in the border town.
The authorities say the decision to give the contractor Road and Pavings the bid to rehabilitate township roads in the border area was most retrogressive and most unfortunate.
During a heated District Development Coordinating Committee (DDCC) held in the chambers, members felt cheated that Road and Pavings has continued to scoop road bids.
The members asserted that the firm has allegedly been doing shoddy works on most roads in Mufulira wondering why relevant bodies have continued entrusting the firm when several complaints have been lodged.
Mufulira District Commissioner (DC) Dyford Muulwa says already, work along the Mufulira/Subina Road being done by the firm was below par and a source of shame considering that substantial sums of money had gone into the project.
The DC added that already two people had died along the road in over a fortnight.
Mr. Muulwa said his office had received numerous complaints from both residents and the business community over the state of the Mufulira/Surbina road which had become a hell run.
The Mufulira DC added that he shall write to appropriate authorities to express his dismay over the work done by Road and Pavings adding that it was unfortunate that colossal sums of public monies were allegedly gong to waste.
And Mufulira Town Clerk (TC) Charles Mwandila informed the DDCC meeting that he had an audience with the contractor and expressed his misgivings over the poor workmanship exhibited by Road and Pavings.
The Mufulira TC added that the same disputed contractor had been awarded a contract to work on five roads which included: 17th street, Accra, Kambalange, Kalindini and David Kaunda roads among others.
He said the local authority would closely monitor the firm to ensure a satisfactory job.
The Mufulira TC added that with effect from next year, awarding of all road contractors would be done at district level; a motive he said was long over due.
Apart from the five roads, and the Mufulira/Surbina road, Road and Pavings is also doing the Mokambo road and has done works on four other roads in Mufulira District.
But efforts to get a comment from the contractor by ZANIS proved difficult as management of the said firm are reported to be on festive break out of the country.
Meanwhile, A Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) Officer in Livingstone, Southern Province has been convicted and jailed for 18 months with hard labour for corruptly soliciting for K2 million bribe and receiving K500, 000 cash.
corrupt practices by public office.
Principal Resident Magistrate Kelvin Limbani, jailed Lungu, 37, of House No. 38, Kapombo Road in Livingstone, a Collector with ZRA for one and half years after he found him guilty of the offense.
Magistrate Limbani jailed Lungu with effect from 28th December 2007 the date he was arrested.
Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) Public Relations Manager (PRM) Timothy Moono confirmed the court verdict on Lungu in a press statement to ZANIS in Lusaka today.
Mr. Moono said the ACC arrested Lungu following a surveillance operation it conducted arrested him for soliciting K2 million bribe from motorists. This was in order for him to release keys for three motor vehicles which he had impounded for carrying drums of fuel from Botswana through the Zambian Victoria Falls Border.
Mr. Moono explained that Lungu impounded the vehicles on grounds that the owners of the vehicles had no authority to bring fuel in the country.
The owners of the fuel later reported themselves to the Zambia Revenue Authority Offices in Livingstone where they were charged the necessary fees.
Lungu however, refused to handover the keys stating that he had authorised the payment to ZRA and needed to be paid a bribe.
Where are Phoenix Contractors and Cogefar? We know which companies do a better job and we should spare ourselves headaches by awarding road constructions to reputable companies.
This is very sad…very sad indeed. For how long will these complaints go on? This is the job for the local concil to do. They should acquire the required equipment and carry-out the job on their own. Learn to invest in such equipment, it will serve every council from spending money every year on the same jobs. Many roads need to be improved. No one can tell me that local people can never do jobs properly. If not, they should learn to. How long will this go on…how long???
Thanx Mufulira people you are very brave, please sort them out, this situation is the same as Chingola, Chingola is worse. Turner Construction has failed the people of Chingola(Nchanga North) The TC, Mayor and and DC have gone to sleep because they cant see that has done nothing, During the by-election, Turner construction painted pavements when they heard that Chuchu was coming to campaign for Chimumbwa. Whoever gave Turner this contract for Nchanga North is corrupt and should be arrested.
Have fun but stay safe is my message. Half the mischief is alcohol related. Everybody needs everyone so be responsible tonite and beyond.
Happy New Year and fun blogging.
See Ya nxt yr y’all!!!
RDA is ful of corrupt fellows. Most of these quasi-civil servants live lives way above their incomes, owning houses and cars in multiple numbers. The so called task force turns a blind eye. It wouldn’t be surprising to discover they are all part of the network of scam currently stealing from the Zambians.
SEE YOU IN 2008 FELLOW BLOGGERS. PLIZ DRINK RESPONSIBLY. PLEASE NEITHER DRINK AND DRIVE NOR DRINK AND WALK.
PROF CHIRWA CAN NOT SUCCEED ME – CHUCHU