Chilima to name, shame corrupt contractors
Vice President Saulos Chilima says he is shocked by reports of corruption and sabotage in the construction sector which is denting the sector’s image.
President Peter Mutharika appointed Chilima as the Construction Sector Transparency Initiative champion early this year to whip corruption out of the taxpayer-funded project.
Speaking yesterday in Lilongwe during the opening of the 5th International Construction Conference, Chilima revealed that he will work with National Construction Industry Council (NCIC) and Ministry of Transport and Public Works to name and shame corrupt stakeholders in the industry.
He said: “I know there is indiscipline, corruption and a deep-seated allowance culture that is choking the industry. There have been media revelations that projects which do not have provisions for allowances suffer because officials shun them.
“This is uncalled for and morally wrong, to say the least. It has to stop. You are holding your country at ransom for personal needs. Come to think about delayed projects.”
Chilima wondered if such tendencies did not mean delaying and punishing future generations for sins they have not committed.
He said it was embarrassing that the country has two idle oncologists waiting for the Cancer Centre to be constructed.
“This is embarrassing as we continue sending cancer patients outside the country, spending a lot of money because of a few selfish individuals. You might be doing this for self-enrichment, but always remember that this country is greater than individuals and for once, let us learn to serve the people better and with loyalty,” said Chilima.
“Think about the abandoned or delayed health centres, classroom blocks. What and where is our conscience when we steal funds or frustrate projects that are purely meant to uplift the lives of poor citizens in the village or indeed across the country?”
Minister of Transport and Public Works Jappie Mhango said government is concerned with low participation by local firms in the sector and promised to empower them by formulating conducive policies.
He urged contractors to stick to ethics and build structures that can stand natural disasters such as floods and earth tremors.
NCIC board chairperson Ben Chidyaonga said his body was aware of existence in the sector of some unprofessional work practices leading to low productivity, poor absorption of new technologies and unethical conduct such as corruption.
However, he said the council is doing everything to deal with the challenges so the sector commands the respect it deserves.
As agreed by the board and key stakeholders, the conference takes place every two years and discusses topical issues affecting the world, the region and Malawi in particular. n
