Chilima made the remarks when he toured construction works of the Jenda Edingeni Road and the Mmbelwa district council offices that will accommodate all government departments in the district.

The Vice President who said he is aware of payment hiccups that are affecting progress in the construction of the road said government will source funds with which to complete the works as a matter of urgency.

On the delayed completion of the Mmbelwa district council office complex, Chilima said the project was also being hampered by issues of payment and lack of supervision.

He said government will coordinate with the treasury to ensure that payments are done timely and will work with the public works office on supervision.

According to the roads authority, 15 kilometers of the road from Jenda to Chindoka was completed with funding from both government and resources from the Abu Dhabi fund.

However, work on another 15 kilometers from Chindoka to Embangweni is being done at a slow pace as the contractor has been suspending works numerous times due to delays in payments and recently the effects of Covid19 which has been a setback in acquiring construction materials.

Government will need over 70 billion kwacha to complete all unfinished projects in the country.