Villagers want contractor of road project probed

 THERE is some confusion over a road construction in Imbonggu district, Southern Highlands, as road maintenance continues for the Sumia-Pinz project believed to be contracted to the Department of Works (DoW).

People from Lower-Mendi are calling on their MP and Minister for Works and Implementation Francis Awesa to investigate and ascertain who the contract was awarded to and what kind of machinery and equipment were hired.

Youth leader from Lower-Mendi local level government Kopsi Yapnolupa said the current Sumia-Pinz road construction in progress was questionable as there seemed to be no proper processes followed and machinery such as dump trucks were hired from many local contractors.

He said Awesa must find out how the provincial department of works was operating and how much the road maintenance project cost.

“Awesa is a senior state minister who had served as works minister for two terms and has vast experience. 

“During his term, many road and bridge infrastructures have improved.

“We are confused now because we want to know if he is aware of the conduct of contractor,” he said.

He said the Sumia-Pinz road stops near the borders of Imbonggu and Mendi-Munihu districts and the road to Mendi-Munihu is manmade.

“This road maintenance project is in our district, and if machines were to be hired, we should be given priority first. 

“Why are different dump trucks hired while we are watching? The fraud squad must look into this matter as well.”