Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, Collins Nzovu says the state-of-the-art Regional Water Quality Laboratory under construction in Ibex Hill is critical to strengthening water quality monitoring and climate resilience in the country.
The project is being implemented under the Strengthening Climate Resilience of Agricultural Livelihoods in Agro-Ecological Regions I and II (SCLARA) programme through the Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA).
Speaking when he toured the construction site today, Mr Nzovu said the laboratory will help the government improve the management of water resources and respond effectively to pollution incidents affecting communities and the agricultural sector.
Mr Nzovu was, however, concerned with the contractor’s performance after observing inadequate construction materials on site and progress levels that did not match reports submitted to his office.
ZANIS reports that the Minister noted that the project, valued at about K32 million and supported by the Green Climate Fund and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is fully funded and therefore is expected to progress according to schedule.
Meanwhile, the Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA) acknowledged the concerns raised by the Minister regarding the pace of the project, describing them as valid.
WARMA Acting Director General Misozi Ngulube has assured stakeholders and funders that corrective measures will be implemented to ensure the successful completion of the ongoing project, following concerns raised during an inspection tour.
The contractor, Avenir Soleil Limited, assured the MR Nzovu that additional workers and construction materials would be mobilised immediately to speed up the project.
Site Engineer, Nahum Jere said the company remains committed to completing the project within the agreed timeframe.
He disclosed that the project is expected to be completed and handed over by October this year, in line with contractual obligations.
