The Catholic Bishop of Torit has appealed to Eastern Equatoria state government to stop awarding contracts to companies with poor performances to avoid loss of funds.
Bishop Johnson Akio Mutek made the call during a press conference after visiting parishes in Budi and Ikwoto counties.He criticized the poor state of roads and bridges in the areas he travelled, saying the state lost lots of money to shoddy works without any benefits for the population.
Bishop Akio wondered why companies with very poor performance records were repeatedly offered new contracts.
He questioned links between those companies and officials responsible for contracts as well as the role of the state Members of Parliament to check on the contractors’ poor performance.
Bishop Akio said he saw poor roads all over the Eastern part of the state and called for supervision to ensure that works meet the required standards.
He cited bridges on Hatire roads as the worst with weak culverts that break easily under the passing vehicles.
The state minister for roads and transport, Otim Peter Karlo, said most roads in the state are being worked on, especially in Ikwoto and Torit counties.
He claimed that three construction companies have worked in the Torit-Hatire road and the highway is good, except for two bridges that will be built in 2012.
Mr Otim said the state is lobbying for funds for construction of feeder and security roads in Eastern Equatoria.