Nsanje District Council’s Error Costs Taxpayers

The council hired the contractor to clear the drainage systems around boma at the cost of K19 million The council hired the contractor to clear the drainage systems around boma at the cost of K19 million - file photo

Taxpayers will have to pay extra funds to have contractor Site Guys Construction Company return to site and finish Nsanje boma market drainage system clearing works after the council under-estimated works.

The council hired the contractor to clear the drainage systems around boma at the cost of K19 million.

The contract was supposed to run for a period of 90 days from December, 19, 2022 to March 19, 2023, according to information we have.

The council’s spokesperson, Robert Nayeja, has admitted today, Wednesday, there was an under-estimation.

“We advertised 800 plus meters so the contractor has dredged according to the contract agreement and is entitled to full payment.

“However, we have discovered that there is an additional 500 plus meters that must also be dredged.

“The contractor will not work outside the contract agreement. So what we have done is to refer it to the council to make a resolution. We need extra funds to finish the remaining work,” explained Nayeja.

He assured the people of Nsanje that once the council gives a go-ahead, the works will be finalized.

Kondwani Malunga, a Governance Sub Committee Chairperson, under Nsanje Civil Society Network (CSN) faults the council, arguing, “there is lack of seriousness.

“The costing was supposed to be done at once. In a way, this is leading to a waste of financial resources that are supposed to be put to a better use. Obviously, it shows that somebody somewhere somehow is not doing his job the right way,” lamented Malunga.

The drainage system has been the centre of controversy between the business community plying its trade at the boma market and the council.

The business community has been boycotting paying market fees to force the council to clear the drainage systems apparently because their shops are flooded whenever it rains, due to siltation.

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