By OLIVER SAMBOKO
GOVERNMENT has halted construction at PHI mall until the developers, a Chinese company address concerns raised by stakeholders.
Local Government and Rural Development Minister Garry Nkombo said the construction of a shopping mall near the President Housing Initiative residential area will remain on hold until the Chinese developer meets all construction requirements raised by stakeholders.
Stakeholders comprising the PHI Neighbourhood Watch has since last year been calling on the authorities to stop the construction over environmental and security concerns.
Mr Nkombo who yesterday toured the construction site instructed the developer and residents to dialogue before works at the controversial shopping mall can resume.
He said the UPND government will not allow any illegality in the country and warned that while foreign investment was welcome, those coming to invest should adhere to local regulations.
Mr Nkombo said the new dawn administration will ensure every development taking place in the country is in conformity with the agreed standards to avoid conflict between investors and the local community.
“There must be an agreement between all the parties involved before the construction can resume,” Mr Nkombo said
