Sun, 17 Dec 2017 12:08:38 +0000
By BENNIE MUNDANDO
AVIC International has done a commendable job on the Lusaka-Ndola dual carriageway and the quality works done so far has shamed critics, the Evangelical Youth Alliance (EYA) has said.
The alliance says contrary to the ruckus triggered by critics that the project was overpriced and marred by corruption, the quality of work deserved praise.
EYA executive director Moses Lungu told the Sunday Nation yesterday that the rumpus that precipitated the awarding and cost of the dual carriageway was purely out of ignorance and not backed by facts as the quality of the works going on spoke for themselves on the cost of the road.
Reverend Lungu said time for Zambians to appreciate the contracts Government was awarding to AVIC International had come as the company had never failed to deliver quality service on any project they were awarded.
Rev. Lungu challenged critics to go on site and monitor the works the company was carrying out other than making unwarranted statements.
He said to have a clear picture of the road works carried out, he went on site, saw what was being done and spoke to the engineers on the ground.
Rev. Lungu said from what he had seen, he was satisfied that the project was worth spending on and that it would stand the test of time because of the high quality works.
“This growing propensity to casting doubts on any contract between AVIC International and Government must stop because it is not progressive. There was too much noise over the awarding of the contract and the cost. Having gone on the ground to monitor for myself, I am more than satisfied that this project is worth spending on because the quality of works being done are second to none.
“As a country, we must desist from looking for cheap contractors who will do shoddy works which will cost us even more through repairs. This road will stand the test of time because its quality is of high standard,” Rev. Lungu said.
He said other than leaving a good road network, AVIC International was also imparting specialised skills to Zambians through the empowerment of local subcontracted companies thereby providing employment and skills to them.
“Those local Zambian companies subcontracted by AVIC International have not only added to employment creation among the locals but there is also maximum transfer of skills and expertise. This is double empowerment and must be appreciated by all well-meaning Zambians,” said Rev. Lungu.
