BRIEFS. interior

Officials critical of road projects

Alcibiades Cortes/la prensa

bad job: Officials from Los Santos municipalities have complained about the quality of recent road projects.1136787

Some elected officials in Los Santos are upset that the government is giving contracts to companies that have failed to pay their taxes, while others are questioning the quality of the work being done.

The Macaracas City Council has sent a letter to Minister of Public Works Benjamin Colamarco pointing out problems in two road projects that cost a total of $3.5 million.

The letter, which was signed by council chairman Juan Ojo, pointed out problems that have developed in the road between Corozal and Bahía Honda, which cost $1.7 million. It stated that another layer needs to be added to the road to cover up cracks that have developed.

The letter also stated that the road between Los Higos and Las Palmas, which cost $1.8 million, has also developed cracks and potholes, as well as gutters that have been undermined by rain.

Officials from other areas in the province have also complained to the ministry that it has been granting contracts to firms that have not paid municipal taxes. Under government regulations, companies that owe back taxes are not supposed to be eligible to receive contracts paid for by public funds.

Ambrosio Sáez, a spokesman for the Tonosí District, noted that there are companies in the region that have refused to pay local taxes, but which have received contracts.

Franklin Ballesteros, an elected official in Pedasí, said this is also the case in his district. They are asking the General Accounting Office to investigate the situation.