BUTTYSON KANDIMBA, Solwezi
GOVERNMENT has released K12 million for the construction of 20 low cost houses in the newly-created Mitete district of Western Province.
District commissioner Teddy Chimbinde confirmed the release of the funds in an interview yesterday.
Mr Chimbinde said Government has engaged Kaps Hardware Construction to undertake the project.
“This is a local contractor from within Lukulu who is going to build these houses and as a district, we are happy with the Government for addressing the accommodation problem that we are facing,” he said.
Mr Chimbinde said the contractor has already moved on site and has made over 10,000 blocks for the housing project.
He said his office has since directed the contractor to bring in skilled labour only when works begin. This is meant to create employment opportunities for the local people.
“We want our people to benefit and what we have done as district administration is that we have told the contractor to bring in skilled labour only when the project starts so that we can create jobs for the local people here,” Mr Chimbinde said.
He also warned the contractor against exploiting workers but to pay them salaries above the minimum wage.
The district commissioner also said Government awarded a contract to Elderman Business Solutions to build a modern post office at a cost of K3.6 million.
Mr Chimbinde said the contractor has already moved on site and is expected to commence works in the next two weeks.
He said the people of Mitete are happy with the infrastructure development projects that Government is implementing in the district.
“This is what the PF Government promised the people of Zambia, particularly the people of Mitete that we are committed to develop the country because these are huge projects involving colossal sums of money,” he said.