Kasama district commissioner Kalanga Bwalya says K26 million allocated for the construction of additional 19 kilometres of township roads cannot be accounted for.
And Bwalya says developing rural areas will help the country reduce high unemployment and poverty levels.
Works on 19 kilometres of township roads were expected to have commenced in 2013.
“My office does not know what has happened to that money. It [money] has disappeared in thin air,” he said.
But when asked whether the funds were released, Bwalya said: “We were told the money was there but we do not know where it is because 19 kilometres [of roads] have not been done…”
He, however, said 18 kilometres of township roads earlier earmarked for construction had already been done, a development he said had helped the movement of goods and services in the area.
Bwalya said China Geo, the company engaged to do the township roads, was currently working on signage and drainage facilities.
He, however, expressed disappointment that CADG Construction Company assigned to resurface a 100km stretch from Chambeshi Bridge to Kasama town had not done so.
“Under this project, 10 kilometres of township roads was incorporated but unfortunately, the contractor is too slow. The contractor took possession of the site in April but nothing has been done; they [CADG] want first down payment. But to me, they are like a hunter who looks for bullets after finding an animal in the bush. These are contractors government should be wary of,” Bwalya said.
And Bwalya said he was impressed with the progress made on construction works of the 10 kilometre Kasama-Lukupa road.
Government has engaged China Geo Construction to upgrade the road to bituminous standard at a cost of K22m.
Bwalya commended China Geo for the speed at which it was carrying out works.
He said he had no doubt that the contractor would beat the target and complete the roadworks ahead of schedule.
The Kasama-Lukupa road is of paramount importance to Kasama because it links the district to one of the most productive agriculture areas.
The three-month project is scheduled to be completed by September this year.