Some contractors who carried out some projects under the Department of Livestock and Veterinary in Eastern Province have complained of delayed payment.
Speaking to Breeze News, the contractors stated that they are under pressure to pay workers and pay back debt, which they obtained to buy building materials for the works.
One of the affected contractors, Chris Jere who is director for Sunrise Agencies told Breeze News that he was asked to use his money to buy building materials and that payment would be ready within two weeks.
Mr. Jere explained that his company and two other companies were hired to rehabilitate a bath Livestock facility at Katopola Farm Institute in January but until date government has not paid his 25,000 Kwacha.
But when contacted, Provincial Veterinary Officer, Arthur Mumbolomena expressed shock that payment could have delayed that long.
Dr. Mumbolomena however, explained that the payment system has now been centralised at the Ministry of Finance in Lusaka because most contractors were abandoning works after being paid early.
He explained that payment might delay in some cases because government does not want to lose money from dishonest contractors.