By Wanangwa Tembo

Kasungu, March 1, Mana: Deputy Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Joyce Chitsulo, has challenged councils not to go easy on errant contractors who fail to respect contractual deadlines and standards.

Chitsulo has since advised the councils to terminate contracts for non-compliant contractors saying their conduct has potential to deny communities development initiatives that facilitate delivery of services.

She was speaking on Friday in Kasungu at the end of her tour inspecting various government projects being implemented in the district.

“We must get hard on contractors that fail to deliver their contracts within agreed periods. Actually we should just terminate their contracts because the more they delay, the more the projects become expensive.

“The other thing is that communities must not be denied an opportunity of having these projects just because a contractor was non-compliant. Do not tolerate this,” Chitsulo said.

Summing up her tour which took her to Traditional Authorities Kaomba, Chisikwa, Kaluluma and Chisemphere, Chitsulo said she was impressed with the projects being implemented in the district.

“I am impressed with the projects we have seen, specifically the council office, the paying ward at the district hospital and some concrete bridges. These are quality projects.

“However, some projects are behind schedule and I am worried if they will be finished within time. At the same time some projects are completed but not in use, although we got an assurance from the District Commissioner that necessary steps will be taken on these projects,” she said.

Member of Parliament for Kasungu North Constituency, Mike Bango, expressed gratitude to government for initiating various projects in the area and increasing the Constituency Development Fund which he said is enabling change in communities.

He also hailed Bonongwe Building Construction Company which has constructed the K238 million Chikaka Primary School in the area within a record 14 days while the contract period was for three months.

In his remarks, District Commissioner for Kasungu, James Kanyangalazi said the council will strive to deliver quality projects for the benefit of the people of the district.

Among others, Chitsulo toured the K839 million paying ward at the district hospital built under the Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD), the K230 million council office complex constructed under District Development Fund, GESD funded Chikaka School and some CDF bridges.

In the 2025/26 Financial Year, Kasungu District Council has proposed a K9.8 annual investment plan to improve agriculture productivity, water and sanitation, fight morbidity and improve road network.