adminWalter Nyamukondiwa Kariba Bureau
Kariba People’s Market, which is being funded by the Government has already taken shape, with much of the foundational work completed amid concerns over unavailability of steel materials locally.
Initially, the project was delayed over discrepancies between vendors and the local authorities. The lockdown and closure of the country’s borders to prevent the spread of Covid-19 also resulted in some delays before work resumed after the regulations were eased.
Kariba Municipality housing and community services director, Mr Godfrey Magijani said everything was on course now.
“Almost three quarters of the materials needed for the project are available. Foundations were completed,” he said. “We are now working on the brickwork whilst waiting to commence portal frame fabrication. Supply of steel materials remains a challenge. The type of the materials are not found locally, but from South Africa and Zambia. Covid-19 and the shutdown affected steel purchase from South Africa.”
Government had released nearly $7 million, which has since been eroded by inflation affecting the sourcing of the remainder of the material. Kariba Municipality is now working on acquittals so that Government can release more funds for the project.
“Council is in a process to acquit to the Ministry of Local Government for release of additional funds for the project,” said Mr Magijani. “The project was supposed to have been completed within three months.
“However, that is no longer possible due to delays in the delivery of some steel materials components by the supplier. The delay is due to unavailability of the steel on the local market, ever-changing prices and forex shortages to import the materials.”
The vegetable market and flea market upgrade is aimed at realigning amenities with standards expected of a resort town.
Online Reporter