Constructor abandons work at Kalabo prisons

The contractor working on the construction of Kalabo State Prison has abandoned work after delaying the completion of the project by two years.

The named contractor is allegedly to have abandoned work a move that has prompted government through the Ministry of Home Affairs to terminate the contract and engaged Prison Service to complete the construction which stood at 90 percent.

Kalabo District Commissioner Masela Chinyama who confirmed the development explained to ZANIS in an interview that government was not pleased with works done by the contractor hence the termination.

Mrs Chinyama disclosed that the project which attracted a K1.9 million was stated in 2010 and expected to finish by 2012, but this had not been the case due to poor workmanship.

“I can confirm that Kuso General Dealers a company contracted to construct the new Kalabo State Prison did not do a good job and government has since engaged Prison Service to finish up from where the contractor left,” Mrs Chinyama said.

The District Commissioner further said the taking over of works by the Ministry responsible would speed up the completion and inmates would be relocated to a new Prison.

The old Prison has a capacity of 40 but was currently housing 110 inmates a situation that has raised health concerns among stakeholders.

Once completed the new State Prison would have a capacity to house 400 inmates.