34 million Kwacha released for Chipata-Chadiza-Chanida-Katete road works.

Government has released funds to China State Engineering and Construction Company to continue with the construction of Chadiza-Chipata-Chanida-Katete roads.
Eastern Province Permanent Secretary Chanda Kasolo confirmed this yesterday when he met government heads of departments in Chadiza.
He says that government has paid the Contractor 34 million Kwacha to continue with the road works.
Mr. Kasolo says the contractor was demanding for 50 million Kwacha but upon negotiations the contractor agreed to continue with the road works after being paid 34 million Kwacha.
He says the work is expected to resume soon.
Meanwhile Chadiza District Forestry Officer Charles Mchotsa complained that the two companies, China State and Avex Contractors are using the forest reserves without proper documents to allow them use the forest.
Mr Mchotsa explained that the two construction companies have set up quarries in the forest and are now selling crashed stones to local residents who are building houses and other structures.
He says that many trees have been cut in areas where they take gravel without paying for it.
Mr. Mchotsa says when he contacted the two contractors, he was told that they have the authority from the president to use the land.
And Eastern Province Permanent Secretary Chanda Kasolo says that the matter will be looked in to establish if the contractors have proper documents from ZEMA, the Zambia Environmental Management Agency.