Minister cautions housing subsidy suppliers
Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development Paul Chibingu has cautioned suppliers against delivering substandard materials for the K7 billion Decent and Affordable Housing Subsidy Programme.
The minister said this in Chitipa on Tuesday after observing that some suppliers were supplying low-quality materials in some districts.
not acceptable
He said: “Some suppliers are playing tricks on us. Instead of delivering 28 or 29 gauge iron sheets, they are supplying 32 gauge. This is not acceptable. Let suppliers deliver in time and ensure quality.
“It is my plea that we should not just be excited when supplying, but supply quality materials.”
Chibingu told a meeting during a tour on Tuesday to inspect progress of the project.
In Chitipa, suppliers have suspended delivery of materials because they have not been paid for deliveries made so far, according to acting district commissioner (DC) Grace Chirwa.
She said prior to the suspension there was erratic and delayed supply which, she said, will increase costs and delay completion of construction.
Chibingu assured the council of payment to the suppliers, saying government has set aside K1 billion for the suppliers.
He, however, accused suppliers of not tendering in their invoices.
The programme is targeting 80 low-income and vulnerable households in each of the 193 constituencies. In Chitipa, 400 households are going to benefit.
