Zambia threatens to axe corrupt road engineers

The Road Development Agency (RDA) of Zambia has threatened to axe any road engineer found guilty of colluding with road contractors to carry out sub-standard works, Zambia Daily Mail reported Friday.

RDA board Chairman Walusiku Lisulo said here Thursday that in the past corruption had eroded the agency's capacity to carry out works because some of its road engineers were colluding with the contractors.

At the orientation workshop for newly appointed RDA road engineers he said corrupt activities will not be tolerated and that engineers found wanting will be dismissed.

He said engineers dismissed on corrupt charges will be prosecuted.

"In this new dispensation corruption will not be tolerated. We have ensured that your conditions of service are better. Don't get gratification from the people you are supposed to supervise," he said.

"Our activities are economic. We are involved in providing infrastructure in tourism and agricultural areas. We are also involved in facilitating trade and commerce," he said.

Ministry of Works and Supply Permanent Secretary Bizwayo Nkunika said at the workshop that economic development will only be achieved if infrastructure is well maintained.

"You have a great responsibility to ensure that all roads and bridges are well maintained," Nkunika told the engineers.

Source: Xinhua