By 
The Luapula Provincial Administration has issued a final warning to Nchifar Enterprises Limited, the contractor implementing the electrification of the Green 2000 Farm project in Kawambwa District, following continued delays and failure to meet set targets.
Luapula Province Minister, Nason Musonda, who conducted an impromptu inspection of the project site on June 21, expressed deep disappointment over the slow progress, noting that just 18 kilometres of the planned 40-kilometre power line had been completed to date.
According to a statement issued in Mansa on Monday, the project is expected to be completed by June 30, 2025, in line with President Hakainde Hichilema’s directive.
The latest inspection followed an earlier visit on May 25, during which Minister Musonda suspended operations due to safety and environmental compliance issues.
During the most recent visit, Musonda directed the contractor to immediately mobilise four stringing teams and adhere to Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) standards.
However, the inspection revealed that only one poorly equipped team was on-site, several workers lacked personal protective equipment (PPE), the project manager had not visited the site, and no agreement with ZESCO had been executed—further stalling progress.
“The lack of seriousness by the contractor is unacceptable and jeopardises the entire project. The Presidential directive must be respected. Excuses over staffing shortages will not be entertained,” Musonda said.
He ordered that two additional fully equipped stringing teams be deployed immediately, binding works commenced on Monday, June 23, and that the project manager report to the Provincial Administration within 48 hours.
The Minister further demanded that daily progress updates be submitted without fail.
Musonda, however, noted that the project remained technically feasible and could still be completed within the remaining nine days if the contractor showed full compliance and urgency.
Echoing the Minister’s sentiments, Provincial Permanent Secretary Prudence Chinama described the contractor’s lack of action as a direct threat to the province’s credibility and the national development agenda.
Chinama emphasised that the Green 2000 electrification project is a vital part of Zambia’s agricultural and food security strategy, adding that the Provincial Administration is fully committed to ensuring the project is delivered on time and in full.
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