…Nearly 100% of contract value paid for work not done
The Acton Institute for Policy Analysis Centre (AIPAC) has called for urgent thorough investigations into a contractor who has been paid 95% of the contract value for a water project in Mwinilunga but has done very minimal work.
The development came to light a few days ago when the Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, Collins Nzovu, inspected the progress of several works going on in North-Western Province but was shocked that a contractor had been paid nearly 100% of the contract value about two years ago without much work to show on the ground.
Shocked at the slow pace, Nzovu warned the North-Western Water Company management and the contractor of severe consequences and demanded a transparent and detailed report of how funds were paid without work being done.
AIPAC executive director Solomon Ngoma said the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) must commence investigations into all the individuals who awarded and authorized payments for a project whose works had stalled.
Ngoma said the fact that approximately K14 million was paid out, representing almost 95% of the project’s cost, despite minimal progress was a clear indication of gross mismanagement and potential corruption.
“They must be held accountable for their actions. The Zambia Police too should conduct a thorough probe, ensuring those responsible are brought to justice. The National Council for Construction must review the contractor’s credentials and performance, taking appropriate action to prevent future malpractices,” he said.
Ngoma said the law enforcement agencies should further suspend all the individuals involved until investigations are completed and a forensic audit must be done to uncover potential irregularities and recover misused funds.
He described it as a clear case of daylight robbery and that AIPAC would not stand idly while public funds are mismanaged and squandered.
“We demand transparency, accountability, and justice. We will continue advocating for good governance and the responsible use of public resources,” Ngoma said.
He commended Nzovu for bringing this matter to light.
“His commitment to transparency and accountability is commendable, and we urge him to continue pushing for answers,” he advised.