Posted Sep 13, 2009
Namwala, September 13 -ZANIS- Government says it was committed to the completion of the Kabanga Health Post in Chief Nalubamba's area to enable people access vital health services.
And Chief Bright Nalubamba says there was growing anxiety among the people in the area for the project which started in 2006 to be completed as soon as possible.
Southern Province Permanent Secretary Mr Darius Hakayobe said this yesterday after touring the Kabanga Health Post that, the delay, however was of grave concern to government.
Mr Hakayobe said Government was not happy with the delay and was doing everything possible to resolve the issue as soon as possible.
The government engaged Building developers limited [BDL] to construct the Kabanga health post at a total cost of K506 Million on May 2, 2006 and the project was expected to be completed in three months time.
However the contractor later abandoned the project which had reached window level in August the same year for no apparent reason despite government giving the contractor adown payment of K204 Million.
In view of the breach of contract government has since sued the contractor for breach of contract.
Mr Hakayobe explained government would decide after the court decision whether to engage another contractor or continue with the same contractor.
And Mr Hakayobe was shocked to find works going on at the site despite government directing for ban of any works until the court was disposed off in the courts of law.
A visibly annoyed Mr Hakayobe directed the brother to the contractor a Mr Steve Chatora to stop any work at the site until the court case was over.
But Mr Chatora who had a tough time answering questions from the PS insisted that the never received a letter banning them to stop works.
And Chief Nalubamba said there was growing anxiety among the people for the project to be completed so that they can access to health services.
“There is growing anxiety here for the project to be completed as soon as possible for people to have access to health services,” said Chief Nalubamba adding the community also fears that the project might become a white elephant.
He also wondered how a contractor could abandon a project after payments have been made saying this was indicator that there was poor monitoring by government.
His Royal Highness further requested for government to send health personnel to the health post and not wait until the court case was disposed off.
In response Mr Hakayobe promised to send health staff before the end of this month to start offering health services.
Meanwhile Mr Hakayobe expressed happiness at the commencement of construction works of a Girls Technical High School at Neiko area saying this shows how committed the contractor was.
The high school is been constructed by Africa Brother company at a cost of more that K6 Billion is expected to be completed in two years time.
Mr Hakayobe however, directed the Namwala District Commissioner Mr Wilson Siaduka and District Education Board Secretary Mr Munamukuni Shadele to avail him with details of the school design.
He also said there was need to get a title deed for the school to prevent surrounding villagers from encroaching on the school site.