Several houses in Zambia Compound in Mazabuka District, Southern Province, have been flooded, destroying household goods and food after a ditch for an unfinished bridge filled with water following heavy rains this morning.
Nakambala Ward Councillor Kelvin Muleya, who visited the affected area, found no contractor or workers on site to clear the blocked passage and prevent further flooding. He said that when he contacted the contractor, Asphelt Zambia, the contractor claimed he was already at the site, yet no activity was observed on the ground.
Councillor Muleya has since directed the contractor to immediately provide relief food, including mealie meal, to all affected households, saying the flooding is a direct result of the prolonged delays in completing the bridge.
Construction of the bridge in Zambia Compound began six months ago. Two weeks ago, Local Government and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Gabriel Pollen expressed strong disappointment during a site visit and ordered the contractor to expedite the works to protect residents as the rainy season intensifies.
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By Helga Chibwe
