Minister Warns Contractor on Quality

Msungama unveiling the project Msungama unveiling the project - pic by Steve Kalungwe

Minister of Youth and sports Ulemu Msungama has warned a contractor extending the Neno Integrated Youth Centre under the Job For Youth project against poor workmanship and corruption on the site.

The minister told Zodiak Online on Saturday that his desire is to see real design taking shape and no compromise of quality so that the youths of Neno are able to acquire entrepreneurial technical skills for the one million jobs agenda to be a reality.

"Poor workmanship in some projects been undertaken by government is compromising quality and draining government resources mainly through corruption. So here we can't afford to lose this miracle project that's why we are demanding quality from our contractor", he said.

Msungama said for the youth, who make up fifty one percent of Malawi's population to be productive and meaningfully contribute to national development, there is a need to provide them with opportunities to learn different skills under conducive environments fit for learning.

"This centre once finished in the next ten months, will help reduce teen pregnancies and marriages, substance and drug abuse, let alone reduce crime among the youths since they will be kept busy here", he said.

In his remarks councilor Mark Ngwangwa of Lisungwi ward pleaded with the minister to talk to his transport counterpart to intervene in the Neno road construction works, saying giving the youths skills without a road to transport their products will be a waste of time.

Managing director of Magalasi construction company Room Gombwa assured the minister of quality works and to empower the surrounding communities during the construction period by engaging them in piece works but asked them to own the project by avoiding theft of construction materials.

"We will stick to design and quality. The surrounding communities will also benefit since some of our work force will come from here but am asking them to help us and not steal construction materials", Gombwa said.

The two billion Kwacha job for youths project will see Neno Integrated Youth Centre having modern class room blocks, an ICT centre, and administration block among others.

Similar projects are also in Karonga, Nkhotakota and Phalombe to a tune of two billion Malawi Kwacha loan from the African Development Bank.

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Last modified on Sunday, 11/10/2020

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