Western Province Permanent Secretary has urged Councils in the region to prioritize local contractors when awarding projects particularly those funded using the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
Simomo Akapelwa said local contractors understand the terrain and geography of the Districts, therefore, it helps them plan adequately for execution once awarded CDF projects.
Mr. Akapelwa stated that from his assessment, most of the contractors who abandon projects are from other places like Lusaka and fail to deliver because of the accessibility challenges to the sites due to poor road connectivity in places like Nalolo West Bank.
The Permanent Secretary made the remarks when he inspected CDF projects in Nalolo District.
The inspected projects included a maternity annex at Nasilimwe Rural Health Centre, a Girls dormitory at Nambwae Secondary School, a 1×3 classroom block at Sikana Primary School and a mother’s shelter at Silowana Rural Health Centre all projects in Nalolo West Bank.
“Some contractors bid for projects without understanding the actual goegraphical location of the sites,” Mr. Akapelwa stressed.
He, however, expressed satisfication with the workmanship on the CDF projects despite the delays to complete them.
“Government is in a hurry to deliver development through the CDF and delays in executing projects will not be tolerated,” he added.
This is according to a statement issued by Nalolo Town Council, Public Relations Officer, Buttyson Kandimba.
