By chisomo Kambandanga

Nkhata Bay, May 28, Mana: District Commissioner for Nkhata Bay, David Gondwe, has urged Clads Construction Company to expedite construction of an operation theatre at Chintheche at Chintheche Community Hospital.

Gondwe made the call on Tuesday during a visit to the construction site of the theatre, which is currently underway. He emphasized the need for the project’s timely completion to ensure that communities can begin accessing services right at their doorstep.

According to Gondwe, construction works were due for completion on March 31, 2025 but it is disappointing to see that it is still at about 80 percent completion level.

“We are not pleased with the progress because considering the project’s duration; it is way above the days this project was supposed to be completed.

“This is one of the big projects which has many components and community members are patiently waiting to see it completed, hence you must treat it with urgency,” said Gondwe.

“I therefore advise you to come up with a realistic revised work plan and to ensure that all works are completed by the end of June this year without compromising quality,” he advised.

Managing Director of Clads Construction Company, Daniel Phiri, attributed the delay to procurement of treated timber and rains, which affected some of their operations but was quick to pledge that the project will be finished by the new deadline.

The K365 million Chintheche Community Hospital operation theatre is being constructed by Nkhata Bay Distric Council with funding from National Local Government Finance Committee.