RUTSIRO – District authorities have cancelled a road construction contract citing delays by the contractor hired to build a 55 kilometre road in Rutsiro District.

Usengimana Richard Enterprises was paid half of the, Rwf3.3billion contract in September 2010, but failed to meet last month’s deadline.

When contacted, Usengimana attributed the failure to a number of factors.

"When we were supposed to start work, we first had to expropriate residents,” Usengimana said, adding that the recent heavy rains also contributed to the delay in the construction work.

Rutsiro District Mayor, Gaspard Byukusenge, emphasized that next time, tenders would be awarded to contractors who are able to commence work without down payment. He said that since the contractor managed only half of the work, the payment advanced to him was all the authorities could pay; adding that a fresh contract for the remainder of the road stretch will be announced soon.

"If contractors don’t have money to begin work on their own, we shall not hire them,” he pointed out.

During a field visit, on Wednesday, State Minister in charge of Transport, Dr Alexis Nzahabwanimana, said that more efforts will be invested in the routine maintenance of the country’s road network.

"Plans are underway to ensure that roads are well maintained so as to ease public transport,” he said.

Nzahabwanimana added that in future, punishments will be meted out to contractors who fail to honour their obligations.

Ends