Information reaching this publication indicates that some local contractors are planning to hold a vigil at the Roads Funds Administration (RFA) premises in the capital Lilongwe following failure by the state owned institution to honor the 7 days ultimatum.
The local contractors, over 50 in total, working under Roads Authority last week gave the Chief Executive Officer Stewart Malata of RFA a 7 days ultimatum to settle their payment amounting to MK14 billion.
In the petition, the local contractors said that despite contractual agreements stipulating that the RFA should pay contractors within 45 days after the certification of measured works by the project manager, payments have been significantly delayed.
The disgruntled contractors said the delayed payments have led to severe cash flow problems that are making it difficult for them to pay their workers.
They added that banks and loan sharks were pressuring them to repay their loans, worsening their financial stress.
“Since January 2024, 155 days have elapsed without any pay to us the contractors, which is very unfortunate, especially in view of the current inflation and loss of value of the Malawi kwacha,
“You should be reminded that this is our livelihood and we are failing to support ourselves and our families,” reads in part the petition.
The stated ultimatum is scheduled to expire today and according to inside sources the RFA is yet to honor the ultimatum.
According to inside sources, the local contractors are currently planning to hold a vigil at RFA offices in Lilongwe from Monday next week.
Currently the local contractors are set to notify the Police headquarters in Lilongwe and the District Commissioner on the planned vigil as required by law.
Faceofmalawi will keep you updated on the matter..
