Questions raised over Lae roads contracts

A PRIVATE contractor in Lae has supported the call by a PMV owner in Madang for the government to award road contracts to competent contractors who can carry out better jobs.
John Yamandi who did not wish to name his company said while he as a trained professional operator with an international construction company Dillingham Corporation in the 1970s, maintenance and construction of roads were done by reputable companies. 
And these companies were able to perform diligently and deliver quality work on the roads, Mr Yamandi said.
He said these days, even though millions of kina were poured into road maintenance and reconstruction, the
standard of work done was very poor and the roads continue to deteriorate.
On most occasions, Mr Yamandi said nepotism, bribery and corruption were the main factors that contributed to the awarding of contracts.
He said many of the small local contractors lacked experience and when given huge contracts, the work was not done to the expected level. 
He has also urged the Government to closely scrutinise the tender system and to ensure that their screening processes were done transparently.
Mr Yamandi also made call to members of the budget committees in the districts to also have responsibilities to select genuine contractors before making submissions to the provincial tender board for screening.
He said when capable companies are awarded contracts; the roads can last up to 10 years also adding that the government would spend less from carrying out maintenance.