Chinese Company ZCCC Owes Contractors k720 Million, as contractors plan to petition Chakwera

The Chinese Company, Zhejiang Communication Construction Group, Ltd (ZCCC) which was Constructing a 46 Kms Karonga -Songwe Road is yet to pay many local Sub-Contractors money amounting to over K560Million Kwacha.

Confirming to Face of Malawi, one of the frustrated Contractor, Rapheal Gondwe said they now plan to petition the President Lazarus Chakwera when he visits Karonga this week or next week.

He said they plan to put banners and plackards at Karonga roundabout saying the Tonse Government does not want foreign investors to mistreat locals.

He indicated that the letter will be delivered direct to Hon Sidik Miya should chance not allow to present it to the State President.

Speaking to ZCCC, one of the Chinese Official, ( who refused to be named) said they only know that one SubContractor did not get money, North Civil Works, i but not these other small companies got paid money.

He said these companies we’re getting money from ZCCC, despite them too suing the company for arreas. He asked them to withdraw case and discuss outside Court.On why North Civil Works was not paid,he agreed that time they didn’t have money to pay North Civil Works but now they have but since the case is in court the cant pay,wait court finish.

Another subcontractor by the name Teacher whose  company together with Need Civil sued ZCCC claiming K400 million had no kind words but said these Chinese should not be given works in Malawi.He said World Bank and DPP Government failed people of Karonga.

Substandard Road and abuse of Locals that’s why one time North Civil camped with his workers at ZCCC demanding his dues.They don’t respect Malawians,he said.

At one time Nation reporter George Singini, in 2019 reported too that 2 Local Contractors has dragged ZCCC to court. Another Subcontractor, OX has also sued ZCCC claiming K70Million.

Talking to Director of North Civil Works, a Company that through High Court confisicated ZCCC properties to force them to pay him K270Milion, Wavisanga Silungwe, agreed that ZCCC is a problem, but quickly blamed our legal flamework that gives more authority to foreign companies.

He said he won’t be part of the team to present the petition because his case was straight forward because ZCCC agrees it never paid his company only that they didn’t have money.

He said his case is at Lilongwe- High Court Comment Division and is straight forward.

Most Subcontractors in Malawi cry foul over mistreatment by Chinese Construction Companies.