THE Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation has clarified that the contractor engaged to construct the Siakalinda dam in Siavonga District of Southern province, Construction for Africa, has not abandoned the project but that the contract expired on December 15, 2024.

In a statement issued to ZANIS today, Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation Principal Public Relations Officer, Prince Chiyuni, clarified that the Ministry has already initiated the process of direct bidding to the same contractor, to complete the remaining 15 percent of works for the US$ 1,368,248 Million Siakalinda Dam after the rainy season.

Mr Chiyuni noted that the Ministry is working in collaboration with the contractor, who has managed to construct an emergency spillway meant to evacuate the flood water, in order to protect the integrity of the dam wall.

He said engineers from the Ministry are also closely monitoring the situation noting that they have regular consultations with the contractor to guarantee that work continues smoothly when rainfall activity reduces as well as to ensure that the project is completed to the highest standard.

Mr Chiyuni stated that the Siakalinda Dam which is currently 85 percent complete, is a key infrastructure initiative by the government, aimed at improving water security and supporting economic growth in the region.

He added that the Ministry is committed to ensuring the timely and successful completion of the vital project.

Mr Chiyuni noted that the dam will bring long-term benefits to the community such as water storage capacity for irrigation along-side livestock in the area.