The reconstruction of the road between Mehara and Tutuala in Lautem district has stopped because the company in charge of the project has run out of money.
The Secretary of State for Public Works Luis Vaz Rodrigues said the company Megal Group held the contract for the reconstruction of 10km of road, locatedbetween Lospalos and Tutuala.
“Nevertheless they’ve hadsome difficulties with money and the previous government gave them a contract but it was not enough, and we must give additional money because they have a big job at the moment,” he said.
He said the Ministry of Public Works called the consultant company Renal to look at the road because the area has beautiful scenery and the potential for tourism.
The total budget for the project was $20,600 and the project began in 2010.
“Therefore I suggested for them to raise the issue with the Prime Minister and currently they are debating over how to increase the budget for the works,” said the Secretary of State.
On the other hand, Member of Parliament Francisco Branco said it was not just the company’s responsibility, but the government’s responsibility as well.
“That’s why they use a contract, maybe if the contract ends but the work isn’t finished they need to prolong the time, and if the budget is limited the government should collaborate with the company to overcome it,” he said.
On the other hand, resident Anita Soares said the road reconstruction had been running for a long time so the government and the company should take responsibility.
