SICHEMBE CONCERNED WITH DELAYED COMPLETION OF AIRPORT

By Brian Mwale

Auditor General DICK SICHEMBE says the delayed completion of Kasama Airport is affecting service delivery and attraction of investments in the northern circuit.

Dr. SICHEMBE adds that the delayed works are also costly on government as it has continued paying a Consultant Engineer for six years for a project that should have taken one year.

He says the price variations for the contractor will also see government paying way beyond the 1-hundred and 41 million kwacha as signed in 2014.

Speaking during a tour of Kasama airport to ascertain utilisation of public resources, Dr. SICHEMBE said it is now unclear when the project will be complete because it has been extended from 12 to 48 months with the deadline being September this year.

And Ng’andu Consulting Senior Engineer TOBIAS HATEMBO said the works done so far are at over 72-percent with 1-hundred and 4 million kwacha having been spent.

He said delayed release of funds is what has affected the contractor and sub-contractors who don’t have equipment.

Mr. HATEMBO said there is still a lot of work that needs to be done hence the September deadline is not feasible.

And Northern Province Permanent Secretary ROYD CHAKABA said Kasama Airport is a key project for the province because investors find it a challenge driving by road.

Mr. CHAKABA also said the airport is key in opening up the northern tourism circuit.

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