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. According to Mozambican publication O País, the dispute between the High Commission and the company EG Solar revolves around a debt of P1.5 million, due to the non-payment of 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 last week, demanding payment. In an interview with O País, Mozambique’s High Commissioner to Botswana, António Macheve said the High Commission 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. “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,” explained António Macheve.
“Despite the High Commission paying for all the work performed up to the termination of the contract, EG Solar continues to demand payment for salaries of their workers; construction equipment left on-site for four months; electrical installation; a five percent retention on each payment made for the work completed, and late payment interest, which the High Commission found unreasonable.” 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 reportedly expressed regret and issued an apology.
The governments of Botswana and Mozambique, led by the Presidents on April 14, 2022, commissioned the museum of the late revolutionary leader of the Mozambican liberation movement and Mozambique’s first president, Samora Moises Machel, in Botswana. The construction of the Samora Machel Museum, which comprises two floors, was co-sponsored by Mozambique and Botswana to the value of $600,000 (around P8 million) with each country contributing about $300,000.
