RUTSIRO- Usengimana Richard Enterprises, a construction company whose contract to build a 55 kilometre road in Rutsiro District expired last month, has been given an extra three months to complete the works or risk termination.

The ultimatum came from the Ministry of Infrastructure.

"The expired contract has been provisionally extended for another three months. We have resolved to decide its fate after the added time has elapsed,” the statement reads in part.

It specifies that the road is expected to cost Rwf 3.3 billion but only half of the cost, including part of the payment and advance fees, has so far been paid to the contractor.

During a field visit last week, the State Minister in charge of Transport, Dr Alexis Nzahabwanimana, warned against frustrating government’s efforts to maintain the country’s road network.

"A proposal is under way to impose punishments to contractors who fail to honour their obligations,” he said.

Earlier, Usengimana told The New Times that the delay was due to late expropriation of residents and the ongoing heavy rains.

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