The construction contractor Mota Engil, involved in the rehabilitation of the M1 Road from Kasungu to Jenda, has threatened to suspend all ongoing works starting this Friday due to unpaid arrears totaling K2.4 billion. This amount, which is approximately €1.2 million, has reportedly been outstanding since October 2025, creating serious operational challenges for the contractor and endangering the project's timeline.

During a recent inspection by a delegation from the Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC), consulting engineer Pythias Mpofu confirmed that the government had been officially informed of the contractor's decision. Mpofu stated that the contractor has made it clear that unless the issue of outstanding payments is addressed promptly, they will be forced to halt machinery and all construction activities at the site.

This situation poses a significant risk for the M1 Road project, as prolonged delays in payments could disrupt not only the current phase of the project but also have broader implications for infrastructure development in the region. Stakeholders are urged to resolve the payment issue immediately to avoid further complications that could affect local transportation and economic growth.