Substantial sections of the Santa Rosa–Kwebana road in Moruca, Region One, remain unfinished despite the award of three government contracts totalling approximately $324.2 million since 2020.
During a recent journey by APNU MP Sherod Duncan along the entire route, no construction work was seen. Sections at Nine Miles and Twelve Miles remained incomplete, with muddy stretches and exposed steel reinforcement posing risks to commuters.
Residents said some unfinished portions had remained in that condition for more than a year. Concerns were also raised about the quality of sections already completed and the adequacy of drainage along the route.
Government reports show that a $83.9 million contract was awarded to Mohamed Ramzanalli in December 2020. The initial works covered 500 metres between the Santa Rosa bridge at Kumaka and the community ground.
In 2022, Renaissance Enterprise Inc was awarded a $38,992,800 contract to rehabilitate the Kwebana roadway. By May 2023, the Ministry of Public Works had acknowledged that sections of the road had deteriorated while the project was being executed.
A further $201,308,910 contract for Phase One of the Kwebana–Kumaka road was awarded to Quality Deliverer in December 2023.
The government reported in May 2024 that the project was 40% complete, attributing delays to the sinking of a barge transporting construction materials.
It is unclear how much has been paid under the three contracts, what portions of the work have been certified or whether penalties have been imposed for the delays.
The government has also not provided a revised completion date for the outstanding works.
Residents are calling for the immediate completion of the road and the publication of the payment and performance records for each contract. They also want the unfinished sections made safer and an independent assessment of the workmanship and drainage.
The route provides critical access between Santa Rosa and Kwebana and is used by residents travelling for education, healthcare, business and other essential services.
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