The Government is yet to settle outstanding debts with the China Railway Engineering company, before the commencement of any construction and maintenance work on the roads in Lae, Morobe Province.
Works and Implementation Minister Michael Nali confirmed this today when responding to questions from Tewai-Siassi MP Dr Kobby Bomereo on the status of the section of the Nadzab to Lae city road.
Tewai-Siassi MP Dr Kobbi Bomareo during the Questions Without Notice session in Parliament today asked the Minister for Works Michael Nali to clarify the delay in the maintenance of the Nadzab to Lae section of the road.
He said Lae is the industrial hub of the city and must be given prominence.
“The section of the road is very deteriorated and must be maintain as soon as possible as it was the life line of travelers from other provinces into Lae city.
Nali responded by giving an assurance to the people of Morobe that the road will be fixed but due to cash flow situation, the maintenance work has been delayed.
“The Government owes the China Railway Construction company which is delaying the maintenance work on the road.
“However, the Works department had released some funds last week to the company and work will start soon.”
“Cash flow problem is the main reason for the delay.”
However, he said the Government had made some payments last week and the company had been advised to start work soon.