Deputy Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Joyce Chitsulo, has expressed concern over the delay by Pyramid Construction company in completing the construction of Boma Primary School in Thyolo District.
The project, which began in August last year, was expected to be concluded by January this year but a visit to the site shows that there is still a long way to go.
Chitsulo expressed dismay that though President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has been advocating for local contractors to undertake various projects, some are taking the opportunity for granted.
“It’s disheartening to see that the works are far behind, realistically, this project should have been completed by now, but judging by the current progress, it is unlikely to be finished anytime soon,” Chitsulo said.
According to Thyolo District Commissioner, Hudson Kuphanga, the contractor has been granted an extension until April this year to complete the project.
Officials of Pyramid Construction company were not immediately available for comment.
However, Kuphanga said the contractor cited fuel issues and difficulties in accessing timber as the reasons for the delay.
“We have secured the necessary funds, having already paid K400 million, with only K151 million remaining to settle the project. However, we’re concerned about the slow pace of the construction works,” Kuphanga explained.
Boma Primary School construction project is a Governance to Enable Service Delivery GESD project financed by the World Bank