COPPERBELT Province Minister Elisha Matambo has expressed concern over the slow progress in the construction of 16.2 kilometres of township roads in Kitwe District, warning the contractor to improve the pace of work or risk termination of the contract.
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Matambo, who stormed the construction sites with Kitwe District Commissioner Oncemore Ngonomo and Mayor Mwaya Mpasa, was left unimpressed with the works which have crawled to only 16 percent completion on the 16.2 kilometre stretch.
“The contractor is moving at a snail’s pace, which is not in line with our vision carrier Republican President Hakainde Hichilema. People are complaining, and it is better for the contractor to pull up their socks failure to do that will recommend the cancellation of the contract,” Matambo stated.
The Minister reminded the contractor, Nchifar Enterprises Limited, that President Hichilema had already done the heavy lifting by allocating roads to Kitwe, even adding an extra 20 kilometres and warned that government would not tolerate anyone reversing the gains made in the last four years.
Matambo assured the residents of Kitwe, who have been choking on dust while waiting for decent township roads, that his office will now keep a closer eye on the works and carry out constant inspections until the job is done before the rains come.
He also ordered the contractor to work with the Kitwe City Council to deploy water bowsers and reduce dust, insisting that government is ready to empower local contractors but only if they show the capacity to deliver.
For now, Kitwe drivers and residents will have to keep navigating the potholes and dust while hoping the contractor finally finds the accelerator pedal.
By George Musonda
Kalemba September 23, 2025
