The contractor assigned to install high mast solar lights in Wote municipality during the 2020/2021 financial year is on the spot after allegedly supplying defective street lights.
This was revealed in an inspection report carried out by a Makueni County Assembly oversight committee for Infrastructure, Transport Public Works, Housing, and Energy sector that was led by Alexander Malemba.
Presenting the report during the Assembly proceedings on Wednesday, Malemba stated that the contractor named Safe Power Limited supplied substandard items that were not directed by the consultant.
“Contrary the contractor supplied and installed some items and components that were not specified in bills of quantities nor through the consultants’ sight instructions as established by the committee during the oversight of the floodlights. For example, he supplied 100 Watts flood lights instead of 150 watts, faulty batteries, sub substandard connector cables, and others”, Malemba said.
The scandal caused an uproar in the Assembly and the members urged the Government to ensure that legal actions are taken against the consultant and the contractor.
The MCAs also demanded that the contractor redesigns and undertakes corrections on the project within 60 days.
The Speaker of the Assembly Douglas Mbilu called upon the Auditor General to conduct a special Audit on the project.
World Bank gave out 58 million to fund the project that was to be completed in March 2021. However, the contractor asked for more time, and the completion date was pushed to February 2022.
