No more cost variations

 By JUNIOR UKAHA

THE government will no longer entertain “variation” claims by road contractors, Works Minister Francis Awesa says.

He made the announcement in Lae yesterday when he received 48 new road construction machines from the  Japanese government.

Awesa’s call followed the squandering of K140 million of government funds in Lae between 2011 and 2012. 

The funds were for the upgrading of the city’s potholed roads.

“No variations will be taken lightly this time,” Awesa said.

“Variation is a thing of the past.

“I assure the residents of Lae that the K140 million wasted is a thing of the past.

“I assure the business houses that this mistake will never be repeated.”

Variation claims had cost the government extra funds than what has been budgeted.

Awesa said three contractors were engaged to upgrade Lae roads under a new arrangement.

“They have been told by the government to give their assurances that the roads they build will last over 10 years,” Awesa said.

Awesa said if the concrete wore off,  the contractors will go back and rebuild the road at their own costs.