By Anthony Chomba,
The National Council for Construction (NCC) has revealed that 258 construction projects were abandoned within the past year, while only 77 were successfully completed and handed over.
NCC Director, Professor Paul Makasa, disclosed that 22 construction sites were closed after inspectors uncovered serious regulatory violations by contractors.
Speaking in Lusaka this morning, Professor Makasa said the Council has intensified its oversight efforts in a bid to restore accountability and uphold standards in the construction sector.
He added that the Council has also issued warnings to 44 contractors as part of measures aimed at strengthening compliance and improving quality assurance in the industry.
Professor Makasa noted that despite the compliance challenges, the construction sector continues to experience growth, largely driven by ongoing road rehabilitation works and projects funded under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
Meanwhile, the Council has registered 14,253 contractors, of which 97 percent are Zambian-owned a development Professor Makasa described as a positive indicator of increased local participation in the sector.
