In an effort to guarantee that taxpayers’ money is well spent on public works projects, the Ministry of Public Works has taken a hardline stance with contractors to ensure that timelines are met and projects are completed to satisfactory standards. Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, emphasized this position during a television programme on Wednesday evening.
The minister cited several cases in which contractors have started projects, only to have them halted due to material shortages or delays, causing frustration for residents and compromising their accessibility. He stressed the government’s commitment to addressing this issue at the policy level and expressed the need to take taxpayer money seriously when it is used to fund such projects.
Minister Indar noted that this situation is prevalent in community road construction projects, which are a vital part of the government’s efforts to repair the nation’s dilapidated roads. He pointed out that the government is working hard to improve infrastructure community by community, and residents can see the progress being made throughout the country.
The minister’s remarks came shortly after the announcement that an $87 million concrete road project in Mahdia township would be terminated due to the project’s slothful work and numerous excuses for delays. Furthermore, a completed portion of the road was found to have structural defects.
Additionally, contractors for the Danjah Street road project were put on notice as only 42% of the $60.5 million concrete road project was completed. The minister informed residents that the project had surpassed its completion date and would be cancelled.
Finally, the contractors working on a $108.6 million concrete road (500 meters) within the Mahdia township were given a month to complete the project.
