Minister Lowe cautions Plem Construction Limited over substandard works
Minister for Agriculture, Lobin Lowe has advised Plem Construction Limited which is building Linga Irrigation Dam in Nkhata Bay, against sub-standard works on the new facility under construction.
The minister’s advice follows complaints leveled against the construction company over its poor performance in some construction projects in the country.
Lowe was speaking Friday when he, alongside his deputy, Agnes Mkusa Nkhoma, toured the construction site of the dam in Senior Chief Fukamapiri in the district.
He said his ministry would frequently be visiting the site to ensure that the company complies with the agreed contract standards.
“I am, however, impressed with the progress and standard of the construction works of the dam which is expected to be functional by May 2021,” said Lowe.
According to Lowe, once completed, the dam will supply water to almost 1,000 irrigation acres, thereby scaling up irrigation farming in the district.
“Linga Dam will be the largest irrigation dam after Bwanje Irrigation Dam (in Dedza). The largest dam in the county is Kamuzu II Dam which supplies consumption water, but Linga Dam is the first of its kind in Malawi,” he said.
He said apart from supplying water for irrigation, the dam would also attract tourists, thereby contributing to generation of forex.
In his remarks, Senior Chief Fukamapiri said the project would improve the face of his area and that his subjects are proud of it.
“This dam will enhance irrigation agriculture in my area and I will ensure that my subjects own it for its sustainability,” said Fukamapiri.
Construction works of the dam are estimated to cost about 15.6 million U$$D (over MK11.7 billion) with funding from African Development Bank.
Currently, the dam is at embankment formation and spill way construction levels.
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The Malawian contractors have a problem on quantities and they bribe even consulting engineers. I do not understand why they complain about Mota-Engil whose standards are quite high. Take them head on. They did the same with roads in area 23, area 24 and area 36.
Come to Malawi Polytechnic and see for yourself, sir. Within a year all buildings have patches due to cracks. How did they win these contracts? Polytechnic is pathetic and all their work is a hazard to Polytechnic community.
It’s puzzles me….poor quality but still winning contracts..,,the people who offer them contracts should be a heard accountable
The sad thing is half of the Project Engineers or Inspectors or whatever you want to call them on those projects have graduated from Poly. How about the Principal himself, I thought he is a decorated engineer and where was he? Corruption.
Such projects are supposed to be visited by engineers from the Ministry of Public Works, not an Agriculture Minister. How would a layman tell the difference between quality work and substandard work especially irrigation canals for instance?
Ndiponso inu. Dyela basi kusaka ma allowance.