Africa-Press – Mozambique. The High Commission of Mozambique in Botswana has been taken to court by a local construction company, allegedly due to non-payment for services rendered in 2017. The High Commissioner claims that the company failed to meet certain deadlines as per the agreement and that the firm was still paid for the work completed.
The dispute between the High Commission of Mozambique in Botswana and the company EG Solar reportedly revolves around a debt of 1.5 million pula, equivalent to approximately 7.6 million meticais, due to the non-payment for services provided to the consulate.
As a result of the situation, a group allegedly sent by the cited company invaded the consulate premises on Wednesday, demanding payment.
In an exclusive interview with O País, Mozambique’s High Commissioner to Botswana, António Macheve, responded. Macheve stated that the institution he leads has no outstanding debt with EG Solar, as all services rendered were paid for. He explained that the issue began in 2017 during the construction of the Samora Machel Museum in Lobatse, one of Botswana’s cities.
“Due to non-compliance with deadlines and the quality of work, the High Commission terminated the contract with EG Solar and hired another company that successfully completed the project. Despite the High Commission paying for all the work performed up to the termination of the contract, EG Solar continues to demand payment for: (i) salaries of their workers, (ii) construction equipment left on-site for four months, (iii) electrical installation, (iv) a 5% retention on each payment made for the work completed, and (v) late payment interest, which the High Commission found unreasonable,” explained António Macheve.
Although the case is still in court, Macheve mentioned that following Wednesday’s disturbances, an agreement was reached between the parties to determine a reasonable and payable amount.
Regarding the invasion of the Mozambican High Commission premises, Botswana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed regret and issued an apology.
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