Govt has started paying Kabwe roads’ contractors

KETRA KALUNGA writes THE contractor Asphat Road Zambia (RCZ) engaged to work on the roads in Kabwe district have demobilised from the construction site because of being owed about K37 million. The roads in the district have been in a bad state much to the displeasure of the residents who have time and again been complaining through the different media platforms over the matter. But Central province minister, Sydney Mushanga has disclosed that the government have started paying the contractor and has so far paid about K4.5 million. Speaking in Kabwe recently, Mr Mushanga reiterated the government’s commitment to improving the roads network in the district which have been in a bad state. “We owe the contractor K37 million but it is being paid, in May was paid K1 million, K2.5 million in June and K1.5 this month, yes the difference is being made,” said Mr Mushanga. The provincial minister acknowledged that the roads in Kabwe were in a deplorable state but assured that the government under the leadership of President Edgar Lungu would work on them once the funds to pay the contractor are made available. “We have said the roads in Kabwe district are bad but as government we are committed to work on them once the funds to pay the contractor are made available,” said Mr Mushanga. The Sun