Standard Bank - BOL to Wallet

Govt Gives Chinese Contractor 14-day Ultimatum

The Minister of Transport and Public Works Jacob Hara has given China Henan International Corporation Group Co (CHICO) two weeks to demonstrate if it has the capacity to rehabilitate the M1 Road from Kacheche to Chiweta in Rumphi District.

Speaking to Zodiak on Wednesday, Hara said the company was expected to start construction works four months ago but there is nothing that it has done so far in relation to the construction of the road apart from empty promises.

The minister warned that if nothing happens in the stated period, the government will take a serious decision.

Commenting on how the contractor was selected, Hara said the government followed all processes when awarding the contract to him.

"I believe all procedures were followed when awarding him the contract and the government had hope that he can do this work but from what is on the ground it is doubtful if this contractor is going to help us," lamented the minister.

Reacting to the minister's concern Ciaran Paul of RSK Consultants who are working hand-in-hand with the company, said the delay was because the contractor was new in the country and is still mobilising resources.

Paul added that currently they are reviewing the design of the road and after that process the company will go on the site to begin the work.

This is a 24-month project and the stretch from Kacheche to Chiweta is 66.5 kilometres, costing over K33 billion.

The project is funded by the European Investment Bank/European Union and the Malawi government.

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Last modified on Wednesday, 26/10/2022

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