Government lifts stop order on China State Construction Engineering Corporation Limited

Government has directed NCIC to lift the Chinese company order over the issue of engaging 30% of the project work value to local companies, writes Alinafe Nyanda

The government has temporarily lifted the stop order issued on China State Construction Engineering Corporation Limited for the construction of Mzuzu University Library, auditorium, and associated external work at the institution's main campus in Luwinga.

In a statement released by the Ministry of Transport and Public Work, the government has directed the National Construction Industry Council (NCIC) to lift the order over the issue of engaging and sub-contracting 30% of the project work value to local companies.

“As much as we would like to enforce the directive in full, we must also consider the stage of the project season and the possibility of having the 30% engagement of the local firm. In this regard, China State Construction Engineering Corporation Limited appealed to my office explaining the stage at which they are interns of complying with the order,” reads part of the statement signed by Deputy Minister of Transport and Public Works, Nancy Chaola Mdooko.

With the project at an early stage, Mdooka said her ministry felt there was a need to ask NCIC to temporarily lift the order to allow the Chinese company to commence with the work considering that we are near rain season, which will surely affect the current stage.

The minister said the government has given 40 days temporarily lifting of the stop order so that work can still progress while they are working on the contractual agreement.