In a letter dated July 20th Mota Engil Managing Director Nuno Antunes says the arrears from both completed and ongoing projects date back to 2008.
This has affected their work as they are straining to get resources for their operations, according to the letter.
Antunes further alleges Roads Authority has been uncooperative on the payments despite several follow ups and reminders.
He also expressed worry that the current 2020/2021 budget is also silent on the matter.
But while acknowledging government’s failure to pay Mota Engil, Roads Authority Chief Executive Officer Engineer Emmanuel Matapa is surprised with the amount Motal Engil is raising.
“The figures I have seen on that letter are much higher that what government owes in totality all of our suppliers in the road sector. Remember we are an implementing agent in dealing with road construction but payment is done by our sister company Roads Fund- but the notes we have been sharing in the previous months show that arrears have been reduced. I don’t think the figures are correct,” says Matapa.
He says the figures would be much lesser when reconciliation is complete.
“Everyone if free to claim what they feel is liable, but as a government institution we are looking at the letter and analyze it. Our interest is to protect the public interest so that there is value for money,” elaborated Matapa.
Some of the projects in question are the ongoing construction of the Livingstonia-Njakwa road, Area 18 Interchange as well as the Blantyre –Zomba road and Thyolo-Thekerani roads.
Motal Engil has currently suspended some, according to its communication to Roads Authority
