Government cautions foreign contractors | The Times Group

Minister of Transport and Public Works, Jappie Mhango, has said the Malawi Government will terminate contracts of foreign contractors who perform below standard work on road projects.

He said such expatriates will face deportation while local companies implicated in dubious deals will also face the long arm of the law.

Mhango gave the warning on Friday during a project briefing for the rehabilitation of the 46.6 kilometre Karonga-Songwe Road, funded by the World Bank to the tune of$20 million.

Mhango said his ministry is looking for quality roads in the country hence the need for contractors to adhere to high tandards.

“I have told my colleagues in the ministry and our implementing agency to adhere to quality without compromise. My ministry will not entertain any company that will not adhere to the set standards. But, even if the company in question is owned by a local, the same rule will apply,” Mhango said.

Paramount Chief Kyungu of Karonga commended government for the project adding it will not only help people from Karonga and Chitipa but the entire nation because the road connects the country to Tanzania.

“My message to the locals is that they must protect the equipment meant for the project. I do not want to hear that my people are conniving with workers to steal fuel and other equipment. This road is ours; therefore, let us support the implementation of the works,” Kyungu said.

The main works include periodic maintenance, rehabilitation and drainage improvements on M1 sections that connect Songwe Border to Karonga Boma.

Government already completed paying compensations to the affected people and currently, the contractor is on site mobilising personnel and equipment.

The road will be rehabilitated by Zhejiang Communication and Construction Group and the works will run for15 months.

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