By Maheesha Mudugamuwa
Road contractors were strictly instructed to complete the construction projects within the stipulated time period that had been initially given by the Ministry of Highways, The Morning learnt.
Highways Minister Johnston Fernando said the previous Government had postponed tenders for many years and had not even paid the money; however, it is regrettable that such an inconvenience has been caused to the people when the Government has even paid advances at a time of a global pandemic.
The Minister said he has noticed that the construction of the Central Expressway from Kadawatha to Mirigama has been slowed down and instructed the contractors to complete the project within three years in accordance with the standards.
Minister Fernando also told the representatives of the company that is constructing the Mirigama section in Kadawatha that the Government will have to pay more if it deliberately takes too long, and will not pay even an extra cent if it wants to delay the work and get paid more.
Highways Minister Johnston Fernando said the previous Government had postponed tenders for many years and had not even paid the money; however, it is regrettable that such an inconvenience has been caused to the people when the Government has even paid advances at a time of a global pandemic.
The Minister said he has noticed that the construction of the Central Expressway from Kadawatha to Mirigama has been slowed down and instructed the contractors to complete the project within three years in accordance with the standards.
Minister Fernando also told the representatives of the company that is constructing the Mirigama section in Kadawatha that the Government will have to pay more if it deliberately takes too long, and will not pay even an extra cent if it wants to delay the work and get paid more.