Eastern Province Permanent Secretary Chanda Kasolo has castigated Provincial Buildings Engineer PBE for certifying shoddy works on the 800,000 Kwacha lecture theatre at St. Francis hospital in Katete district.
Mr. Kasolo who on Friday inspected the lecture theatre, whose construction works started in 2014 and were scheduled to be completed within four months, was infuriated with the quality of works on the building.
He was shocked that the PBE certified the works that were completed this year yet the building had already developed cracks on the floor and walls, and the doors could not close properly.
The permanent secretary stated that the PBE certified the works and wanted him to sanction payments to Sisqo contractors and general dealers yet the works were not of quality standard.
Mr Kasolo said he will not sanction the payment and directed the PBE to assess the building and make a final snag list so that the contractor can redo the works that require to be improved.
He stated that once the works are improved he will carry out another inspection and will only sanction the payment once he is satisfied.
Mr Kasolo however noted that the problem was with the initial contractor Fipa enterprise that carried out shoddy works and later abandoned the project.
He also noted that the PBE did not accompany him to do the inspection but stated that he will meet him and ensure that he attend to the concerns raised.
The permanent secretary expressed concern that the poor quality of works that were funded by EU, the European Union could lead to a reduction on funds meant for developmental projects to Zambia.