KATIMA MULILO – The continuous delays in completing capital projects in the flood-prone Kabbe South in the Zambezi region have left councillor John Likando frustrated. 

The politician said it is unacceptable that after 34 years of independence, the people of Kabbe South are still left out of development matters.

Among others, Likando expressed dismay at the uncompleted construction of the N$4.4 million prefabricated clinic and staff accommodation at Muzii.

The project, which started in April 2020, was expected to be completed by October 2021. However, the construction has come to a standstill.

Additionally, the delays in raising the ground level at some schools in flood-prone areas, particularly Namiyundu, Nankuntwe, Muzii and Mpukano are some of the issues giving Likando sleepless nights.

“Muzii is one of the areas in the region that has close to N$100 million budgeted. N$96 million for unearthing schools in flood-prone areas is there; but nothing is happening. The clinic was an eight-month project, we are going to five years before it is completed,” he said.

The councillor also pointed out that his constituency is the only one with up to four schools without electricity, after the electrification project at Nankuntwe school was stopped. 

“The target date to electrify all schools was supposed to be 2020. I believe the N$2 million that the ministry of mines provides will not take us forward. How do we expect pupils who have no lights at school and at home to perform well, like those with lights? I believe we need to find solutions in electrifying schools,” said the councillor.

He added that it is unfair that 34 years after independence, some parts of the country do not have educational facilities.

Likando was reacting to the State of the Regional Address (Sora) by Zambezi governor Lawrence Sampofu on Monday. 

He expressed disappointment at Sampofu’s failure to provide an update on projects in his address.

In response, Sampofu said he too was worried about the Muzii clinic project as he was informed the project was stopped because the contractor failed to do his job, and his contract was terminated.

He further said the health ministry is in the process of re-advertising the contract so the project can be completed.

“Why is this a very important project? Imagine in the flood-prone area, a person becomes sick. You will have to paddle all the way from Muzii to the nearest clinic at Luhonono or Itomba. It is not fair. There are crocodiles, snakes and hippos in the water,” he said. 

The governor added: “We cannot survive like this. We should make sure the project is completed on time. Let us stand up as a region and see the minister about our challenges.” 

Sampofu said the electrification of schools had been delayed due to floods.

“The flood-prone areas are very difficult places to work in. The only time we can work in these areas is from the end of July to the middle of December. 

If we miss this period, we cannot work in flood-prone areas as some places will not be accessible. We advised the ministry of works to do it on time. It is like squeezing water from a stone. Nothing is coming out,” stated Sampofu.

*Aron Mushaukwa is an information officer in the MICT in Zambezi region.