The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development has refuted media claims it cancelled a road construction tender awarded to Mayor Contracting after the company reportedly failed to finish the job on time.
Mayor Contracting company is owned by Gokwe Nembudziya legislator Justice Mayor Wadyajena (ZANU PF).
The company was awarded the tender for the rehabilitation of Golden-Valley Sanyati Road and the Ministry said everything was done above board.
In a statement, the Ministry of Transport said it had not cancelled the contract but was only carrying out a contract determination exercise. Read the statement:
Facts to correct misleading media reports on Golden Valley-Sanyati Road reconstruction. Contractor Mayor Contracting Pvt Ltd start date was 19 October 2021 to 10 December 2021 and contract sum US$3 930 397,21 scope of works 15km reconstruction.
Mayor contacting won the tender in a competitive bid MOTID/ERRP2/28/2021 for Golden Valley-Sanyati Road reconstruction in accordance with the public procurement act.
The tender was published in the Government Gazette and Manica Post on 10 September 2021 and the Sunday mail on 12 September 2021.
Mayor contracting company Pvt is an entity registered with PRAZ and CIFOZ and the road is in Mashonaland west rural.
The work progress is at 15km base 21,8km base 1. The overall progress to date is 25%. The work done to date meets standards and specifications.
The Contractor cited delays caused by Covid-19 restrictions and his key staff on-site were affected by the pandemic as well as rains.
No payment was made to Mayor Contracting either as advance for mobilization or work done to date.
The project engineer is seeking project determination, not termination.
By determination, each party retains its rights and obligations under the contract.