KATIMA MULILO – Transport minister Veikko Nekundi has expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of construction on the Bukalo-Muyako road in Zambezi. 

He said delays will lead to increased costs. 

During a site visit on Monday, the minister discovered that the first phase of the 10-kilometre project is significantly behind schedule. 

The road upgrade to a low-volume seal, which stretches from Bukalo to Tololi village, commenced on 11 March 2025. 

While the N$36 million project was originally scheduled for completion by March 2026, assessments show the work is only 40% complete. 

Nekundi cautioned that such delays create conflict of interest, suggesting that prolonged timelines may financially benefit consultants. 

“When a contractor delays, it affects our budget because the longer it takes, the more expensive it becomes,” the minister said. He added that, since consultants are paid based on a percentage of the total project value, such delays increase their earnings. 

“If the cost rises to N$50 million, what does that mean for your fee – is it four, five or 10%?” he questioned. 

Representatives from Enigma Engineering and Bicon Dream JV defended the slow progress, citing heavy rainfall, pending compensation for community members living along the route and logistical hurdles related to site establishment and relocation. 

Community members have meanwhile called for the termination of the contract. 

Retired Zambezi chief regional officer Raymond Matiti claimed the contractor lacks the necessary machinery and personnel to fulfill the mandate. 

His sentiments were echoed by community member Brenden Kabuku, who stated that residents have questioned the competence of the assigned firm. 

Matiti urged the government to replace the current team with a more capable contractor to serve the people of Bukalo, Muyako, Silumbi and Mutikitila. 

Nekundi reminded stakeholders that while the government facilitates the project, the road ultimately belongs to the community. 

He pledged to consult with his ministerial team and issue “corrective measures” and urgent instructions to the Roads Authority to address the deadlock. 

The visit formed part of a broader inspection tour of various road infrastructure projects across the region. 

-Nampa