By Martha Chikoti, Contributor
In Lilongwe’s bustling city center, a high-profile construction project along Bypass Road caught the attention of the National Construction Industry Council (NCIC).
The project, led by a Chinese national, aimed to build a warehouse and an upstairs building.
However, the NCIC received a tip-off about irregularities in the project, prompting an investigation.
The probe revealed a litany of violations, including failure to obtain necessary permits, ignoring environmental impact assessments, and exploiting workers.
One worker, Gift Ibrahim, shared his concerns about the lack of protective materials and poor working conditions.
“We’re suffering here, just working to earn a living because we have nowhere else to go,” he said.
Ibrahim revealed that workers were paid K3,000 per day without food, and injuries were left untreated by the owners.
Corporate Affairs Officer at NCIC, Lyford Gideon, emphasized the importance of compliance in construction projects.
“The law demands that all projects comply with regulations, including having a contractor and consultant on board, and using sustainable materials,” he explained.
Gideon stressed that the NCIC’s goal is to ensure infrastructure is safe, of good quality, and sustainable.
The NCIC issued Stop and Compliance Orders to the client, but they were defied, leading to the Chinese national’s arrest.
Gideon warned that the NCIC will continue to enforce the law, saying, “Non-complying parties will face the consequences, as we strive to maintain a compliant construction industry.”
