By Brenda Hara

Thyolo, September 2, Mana: Minister of Works and Public Works, Jacob Hara has called on secretariats in local authorities to give council chairpersons due respect by allocating them deserving office spaces.

Hara made the appeal on Friday during a tour of infrastructural development projects that included K4.6 billion Thyolo Council office complex and K5,6 billion stadium.

The appeal came after the minister observed that Thyolo Council chairperson occupies a small office not befitting his status.

“The office given to council chairperson is just a small office. Council chairpersons are top most bosses for councils. Their offices should reflect that,” the minister added.

Hara said he toured Thyolo to appreciate progress in the construction of council office complex and stadium and to provide direction and expertise where necessary.

“The two projects were supposed to complete over a year ago. Delaying the projects is costing government more. We want the two projects to complete as soon as possible,” the Transport and Public Works Minister added.

He also expressed concern over contractors failure to comply with project deadlines, saying government has taken some measures to address the issue.

“To instill discipline among contractors, we have started to charge liquidated damages for exceeding contract deadlines,” Hara said.

DEC Construction company were contracted to construct Thyolo stadium but the contractor attributed the delay to scarcity of cement on the market and company’s Project Manager, Ellard Malonda said the company had no choice but to extend the work,

“Stadium construction takes in a lot of cement. Its unavailability on the market derailed us and scarcity of fuel made it impossible to transport material to site,” he added.

The K4,6 billion Thyolo office complex is expected to be completed in December 2023 while the K5.6 billion stadiums will complete in March 2024.