By Leonard Masauli

Lilongwe, January 25, Mana: Roads Authority says they are not happy with progress of some roads implemented by local contractors across country saying the works so far, does not match with the timeline set according to the contracts.

The Board Chairperson for Roads Authority, Rev. Dr Matilda Matabwa expressed her dissatisfaction during an interface meeting with local contractors to hear their challenges and discuss way forward at Lilongwe Hotel on Wednesday afternoon.

Matabwa said sadly, RA is not happy with the progress of the roads construction by the local contractors and hence an audience with them to appreciate their challenges and chat way forward.

" I am not happy with the progress of the construction works because such delays cost a lot of money. Some projects were supposed to be handed over in July last year but still they have not been finished.

" We have an example of Malomo Ntchisi road as well as M1 rehabilitation as delaying despite contractors being given Contracts to do the work but we still see potholes along the road," said Matabwa.

However, representative of the local contractors, Engineer Dr Rocky Kaunda of Dika company, said the delay has come due to a harsh economic environment due to price changes because of devaluation which has become difficult for contractors to work.

Kaunda said some of the contracts being done were tendered in as far as 2021 and it will be difficult to work on prices of 2021 where devaluation has taken place.

"We are also faced by a challenge of delay of payment where it takes longer period for government to pay. You issue an invoice today and it will take five to six months to get paid yet you have some works to do," lamented Kaunda

Dr Kaunda said he hopes RA will consider on devaluation issue because it is an exceptional event which no one has a control over.