Extortionists demand pay from NWA for highway project

The National Works Agency (NWA), is reporting that it has halted activities on a section of the Southern Coastal Highway Improvement Project (SCHIP), as a result of extortionists demanding bi-weekly advances, if the project is to continue.

The NWA says the decision was taken to suspend works along the Georgia to Cedar Valley leg of the project, on the weekend, following threats received from what appears to be extortionists.

According to NWA, the demands were made by way of a handwritten letter, and neither the source or authors were declared.

The work site was closed even while critical wall construction and revetment protection works were in progress, along sections of the badly-deteriorated roadway.

The works to be completed along the 15 kilometer-long Georgia to Cedar Valley contract package is very valuable says NWA.

The roadway is earmarked for extensive reconstruction and improvement including a new pavement, the upgrading of existing drainage features, and the construction of new ones including culverts; the installation of shoulders in more rural areas, and new kerb and gutter, and sidewalks in built-up areas.

NWA says the matter has been reported to the police who are carrying out investigations.

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