Contractors to the Morobe Provincial Government are still waiting to get a response to their demands for the provincial government to pay outstanding claims worth more than K7 million.
The contractors said they will remain in what they described as a ‘Haus Cry’ near the provincial administration building until they get a reply from the Provincial Government.
Contractors from the Lae City Council are also waiting for an answer from the government regarding a separate unpaid claims dating back to 2013.
This is a group of contractors which includes builders, plumbers and electricians hired by the provincial government’s works division.
They were hired to maintain and build staff houses, the provincial head quarters and were also assigned to assist with PSIP projects in other districts.
Their contracted services began in 2013, and were not paid in full.
The contractors said further delays will continue to affect their businesses.
The leaders of the group said they are demanding that the Morobe government meet with them to resolve the issue before the elections begin come 2017.
Acting Provincial Administrator, Sheila Pati Harou, said this is the result of bad management and the administration is working closing to resolve the issue.
Meanwhile, contractors to the Lae City Council are yet to receive their unpaid claims from the administration.
Topcy Abu, a building contractor said a cheque written out to him by the City Council was dishonored.
He could not deposit the money into his bank account because he was advised by the bank that there is no money in the Lae City Council’s main account.
