Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill has issued a one-week ultimatum to two contractors responsible for concrete roadworks in Kwakwani, Region 10, warning that failure to complete the projects will result in the termination of their contracts.
Speaking during a community engagement in Kwakwani on Tuesday, Minister Edghill expressed frustration over the delays, noting that the roads were initially scheduled for completion by 31 March.
“We are now in April, so we’ve got to get on with it. If within one week we don’t see action—where there is clear paving and completion in sight—the contracts will be terminated and handed over to contractors willing to get the job done,” the Public Works Minister said.
Minister Edghill acknowledged previous disputes between the contractors and the concrete supplier over pricing, but stated that the matter has since been resolved.
The supplier has been directed to cap the price at $60,000 per cubic yard.
“I have told the supplier, if you have to work night and day, get the concrete delivered. We have to deliver these roads,” Minister Edghill stated.
The minister also addressed a flyer circulating on social media, in which the Opposition promised to construct a new hospital in Kwakwani if elected.
Minister Edghill rejected the claim, stating that the hospital is already undergoing expansion and rehabilitation.
“They [the Opposition] obviously did not come to Kwakwani or were not properly informed of what is happening here,” he said. “Right now, the hospital at Kwakwani is being extended, rehabilitated and improved.”
He also dismissed a proposal mentioned in the flyer to build a road from Mabura Hill to Mahdia, calling it “geographically misguided.”
“It is clear that they don’t know where Kwakwani is, where Mabura Hill is, or where Mahdia is—and those are the kinds of people who want to become President and run a country when they don’t even know where Kwakwani is,” he remarked.
In contrast, Edghill announced plans by the government to construct an asphalt road from Linden to Kwakwani, similar to the ongoing Linden–Lethem project.
“We have done all the internal roads, and you know that when we say something, we are going to do it. So, we are not making false promises to get your vote,” he said. (DPI)
Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill engaging residents of Kwakwani (DPI photo)
