Minister of Transport and Public Works, Jacob Hara is disappointed with slow pace of rehabilitation works of the M1 road between Kacheche in Mzimba and Chiweta in Rumphi.
Speaking after inspecting construction works on the road at Chinyolo in Rumphi, Hara said the slow progress of the works risks the rehabilitation contract not meeting its time frame which is between March and June, 2025.
“I am really not impressed because they have not started crushing quarry for the main works as they say that they have not found the right material stone; besides that the designs are not ready.
“I think it’s time they started working 24 hours in shifts for them to catch up on lost time because we are not going to entertain unnecessary time extensions,” said Hara.
Ciaran Paul of RSK Consultants of CHICO Contractors who are working on the project, said they have almost completed camp construction and diversion works up to 22 kilometers which will soon be opened for traffic for trial.
He, however, said they are facing challenges such as unavailability of a fully functional laboratory and shortage of skilled labour, among others.
He said they are doing everything to overcome the challenges.
Reported by Manasse Nyirenda
