Government has warned contractors against corruption and poor-quality work, saying it will ensure the law takes its course against anyone diverting public funds meant for infrastructure development or handing over substandard work.
The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Ben Phiri, sounded the warning during the laying of the foundation stone for the construction of the Lingadzi River Bailey Bridge and the 800-metre Msokera-Cherub Road in Lilongwe.
Phiri said government prioritises quality infrastructure and will ensure the law takes its course against anyone diverting public funds or delivering public infrastructure that is below par.
Meanwhile, Malawi Defence Force’s Engineering Construction Company Limited (ECCL), Chief Executive Officer Brigadier General James Matthews Aidini, has pledged to meet or beat the deadline while maintaining the force’s reputation for quality construction.
Roads Fund Administration Director of Finance, Alex Makhwatha, says the road projects such as these are being funded through fuel levies, toll fees and government appropriations, hence making proper use of funds by the contractors will be crucial to ensuring that the government continues to trust the authority with the levies.
The Lingadzi River Bailey Bridge and 800-metre Msokera – Cherab Road, will be constructed by the Malawi Defence Force’s Engineering Construction Company Limited (ECCL).
The construction of the two structures is expected to be completed in 12 months and is part K15.5 billion worth projects that the MDF’s ECCL will carry out to ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity in the city.
By Yamikani Makanga
