KETRA KALUNGA writes
THE works at Katondo police post, which stalled for more than five years, have resumed on a labour-based approach, area Member of Parliament (MP), Tutwa Ngulube has said.
Mr Ngulube said yesterday in an interview with the Daily Nation that the delay in completing the project was as a result of the local contractor abandoning the works despite being paid more than the works he had done.
The Kabwe Central MP, who is deputy parliamentary chief whip, said works at the project had intensified through a labour-based approach using the community.
“The delay at Katondo police post was as the result of Zambian contractor abandoning works. He was actually paid more than what he has actually done, so we have intensified the works and working with the community, the labor-based arrangement is actually working well,” he said.
Mr Ngulube said the police post was nearing completion with windows and door frames fitted and had been plastered and painted.
He said the project was likely to be complete in August this year and handed over to the community through Zambia police service.
The area MP commended the community for the commitment shown towards the project and indicated those engaged in the construction works were being paid through the council from the CDF account.
He said the Katondo police post was proof that the community if engaged using labour-based approach could do a better job than engaging a contractor.
“With these labour based projects the community ends up doing more work than if you give the work to a contactor.
“Most of these contractors when you give them work or contracts they still fall back on the labour based project. So it’s pointless to hire a contractor when the people can still do the same kind of work,” Mr Ngulube said.
