THE Managing Director of Construct Oceanic Limited, Sape Molumi, today responded to questions by Southern Highlands Governor William Powi and response by Works Minister Solan Mirisim in Parliament yesterday on the progress of the Mendi Nipa Road.
Mr Molumi acknowledged Governor Powi’s concerns but said the information provided by Minister Mirisim in his response was incorrect.
“I am a vulnerable local contractor who have no voice at Parliament and suffer the consequences of continued bully by Politicians using their parliamentary privileges,” he said in a media release today.
“Following the question yesterday a meeting comprising of Minister of Works, Governor of Southern Highlands , William Powi , Minister for Defence and Member for Nipa Kutubu, Dr Billy Joseph, Member for Mendi Munihu and Vice Minister for Public Enterprise, Hon. Raphael Tonpi, Secretary of Works and Highway was convened.
“I accepted the concern by the leaders and strongly expressed my dissatisfaction that the information and response given by Minister was incorrect.
“The correct information is that no K34 million lump payment as advance was received. The first payment as mobilization, survey design, Establishment and Preliminary works was K7,939,600.79 received on the 24th of December 2021 and second payment 4 months for K 9,090,910.00 on the 27th of April 2022 and progressive payment follow till 22nd of December 2024 totaling K74,494,915.80 as shown on the table and NOT K120 million as alleged.
“The remaining balance of the contract is K147million with 50 % of work’s especially base course and sealing to be completed.
“During the period of 2025 no payments received and our claims 17, 18, and 19 are still outstanding and at the Department of Works for payment totaling over K8 million.
“I raised my concern that under the conditions of contract the Employer is obliged the pay the contractor monthly progressive claims with the specified time of 14 days or up to 84 days which has been the issue.
“The project delay is as a result of untimely payment to adequately support the contractor to progress the project without hinderances coupled with other site issues like landowner and improvements issues.
“I requested the Minister to rectify the misleading information.
“The project is ongoing and as soon as we receive this payment for this year after 7 months of waiting we will resume the works .
“We are a local construction company and committed to be partners in development regardless of jealousy, misinformation or competition.”