Local Contractors under Malawi Building, Civil Engineering and Allied Trade Association (Mabcata) have vowed to go on with the planned takeover of Chingeni tollgate in Ntcheu and Kalinyeke in Dedza from September 24, 2024 despite legal threats from Roads Fund Administration (RFA).

MABCATA Executive Member Blantyre Chapter Alex Chimwala who is also Director of LD Contractors said this during media briefing.

In the interview Chimwala described the letter from RFA Chief Executive Officer Stewart Malata threatening the local contractors as unfortunate.

“Instead of Malata engaging us in a dialogue or just paying us our money, he is threatening to shoot us if we proceed with the planned takeover of the tollgates, that is very unfortunate and we will not be scared by this.

“Even they sue us or shoot us, we don’t care. We are already. Our employees are on our neck, loan shacks are on our neck, our Children are yet to report for school because we don’t have money to pay for school fees,” said Chimwala.

Concurring with Chimwala’s remarks, one of the concerned citizen from Balaka Griffin Maluwasa said the standoff between the Contractors and RFA is affecting completion a 2km road in the district.

“Concerned citizens from Balaka are here to show solidarity to Local contractors because the standoff between RFA and Contractors is affecting as greatly. For instance, in Balaka there is a 2km road which has been under construction for 2 years. Our follow up revealed that the road is delaying because of failure by RFA to pay the Contractor.

“As concerned citizens will are in support with the planned takeover of tollgates by Contractors next week and we will join them,” said Maluwasa.

RFA is owing the local contractors money amounting to over Mk45 billion.

Two weeks ago the Local Contractors held vigils at RFA offices with an aim of pushing for RFA to pay them but this also failed.

Faceofmalawi will keep you updated on the matter.