Deputy Minister of Local Government Unity and Culture Joyce Chitsulo has described the delays in finishing construction sites of Malambo Police Unit and house as "crime scenes" and she since ordered the District Commissioner and his lieutenants to submit a report to her office by Tuesday, March 5.
She was speaking on Sunday, March 2, 2025 at Ntchisi Boma where she went to inspect the construction of Malambo Police Unit and house for the Officer In- Charge which are funded by GESD.
BACKGROUND
On February 5, 2025, Chitsulo visited the sites to see progress of the construction of the two buildings. She was assured by the District Commissioner that by February 28, 2025, two buildings would be completed and she may wish to visit the them again for testimonies.
Then on Sunday, March 2, on her way to Mzuzu, Deputy Minister decided to brach off to Ntchisi to see if the projects have been completed. To her surprise, No Construction Works had been done since the day she toured the site.
Reacting to this, Chitsulo expressed her frustrations looking at the financial toll the building are accruing.
"These individuals are being paid for the work they have not completed. It results in half- finished buildings, idle construction sites and most importantly, wasting public funds. And it has become a criminal site. We can't go like and an action has to be taken now.
"To avoid further waste of financial resources which are donor driven, am ordering the DC office to submit the report on my desk by close of business on Tuesday detailing why it has cheated the nation," said Chitsulo in anger.
Chitsulo also hinted that her ministry would reverse some trend of unfinished construction projects by taking several drastic measures to overhaul the way the system is managed and executed.
"Going forward, contractors and officials who do not meet their obligations on time, and within budget will face immediate repercussions, including blacklisting because the tendency has a potential to deny development for the people," warned Chitsulo.
The construction was supposed to end within 120 days but it was extended to 150 days but still no progress has been done.