Comments on: Economically Empowering Zambians through Infrastructure Investment

By: Herold

Herold — Sat, 24 Mar 2018 11:57:39 +0000

This is simply one side of the coin. On the other hand, GRZ is to blame big time. Ask the Ministry of Agriculture what it is thinking about the local contractors it contracted in 2016 to distribute farming inputs under FISP? They have not been paid and 2years down the line, there is no hope of GRZ clearing these poor local contractors. Some have since died, others have gone under and some have their assets seized by bailiffs because of non payment of loans they acquired to enable them distribute inputs on behalf of GRZ. Its extremely sad!!!!

By: Mwila

Mwila — Fri, 23 Mar 2018 17:19:49 +0000

Comment:Great stuff Michael. Well researched and excellent writting. proud of you as a Chevener keep them coming!

By: lound and smart

lound and smart — Fri, 23 Mar 2018 02:44:34 +0000

Nice try Michael Kopulande. As my grandpa would put it, young Michael has no ‘pulakatiko’ (practical) experience of the world as it is not as it ought to be.

By: Habeenzu

Habeenzu — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 16:45:45 +0000

In reply to Spaka like lilo.

Who is going to set up these manufacturing plants?? Are you suggesting we go back to government parastatals??

By: Spaka like lilo

Spaka like lilo — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 16:34:51 +0000

In reply to Spaka like lilo.

The PF GRZ was of the opinion that after infrastructure is built, private internationals and private locals will flood in to create those manufacturing and assembly plants, but this has not been the case. You are now in a situation where financing borrowed monies will be by taxing citizens while we have only a small increase in production…

By: Spaka like lilo

Spaka like lilo — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 16:14:25 +0000

I still belive half of that money should have been sent on manufacturing and assembly plants to cut imports , boost exports and increase the workforce with real jobs…..

By: Mukwita

Mukwita — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 15:33:33 +0000

In reply to Pakudya Salimbana.

Tebonse ama Zambian contractors who behave that way….

By: Malinso

Malinso — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 13:16:48 +0000

contd
Overall, PF is on the right path and the article is balanced and one can only hope that the PF Government will critically explore some of the ideas to ensure their drive for infrastructure development is maintained to create jobs and benefit the majority citizenry. A viable economy needs a robust modern infrastructure base without doubt.

By: Malinso

Malinso — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 13:15:23 +0000

To summarize this article, the author is suggesting that the PF Government continues with its aggressive infrastructural development agenda but in order to get the true benefits of these projects, stringent measures to evaluate and monitor both local and international contractors must be devised. Further, in order to ensure contractors deliver as stipulated in the contracts, payments should only be done after issuance of certificate of completion by independent (not known qualified inspectors). To avoid suspicion of corrupt tendencies, contractors should be given ID numbers only known by the financing agency.
Overall, the article is balanced and one can only hope that the PF Government will critically explore some of the ideas to ensure their drive for infrastructure development is…

By: Pakudya Salimbana

Pakudya Salimbana — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 12:21:17 +0000

When a Zambian is give a contract the first thing most do before the job is even executed is to buy a luxury car and acquire a couple of girlfriends—we must strive to change this. Personally I would rather a Chinese contractor does a perfect road in my neighbourhood in a short period of time that a Zambian contractor who disappears after getting the first instalment having done half the job very poorly.