Maputo — The director of finance in the central Mozambican province of Sofala, Abilio Sigauque, has announced that construction of stalled public works in the province will be completed this year, reports Wednesday's issue of the Maputo daily "Noticias".

Speaking during a visit by the interim governor of Sofala, Carvalho Muaria, to the Finance Sector, Sigauque said this project includes the rehabilitation and completion of the public works in question, but he did not mention the amount invested.

Several public works in Sofala are at a standstill due to various factors. In some cases the state has failed to pay contractors who have then stopped working. But in other cases the contractors has simply abandoned the unfinished buildings.

Sigauque declared that it was obligatory for the government to complete the buildings. "The works may resume while we wait for further procedures," he said.

Sigauque also claimed success in collecting tax revenue. He said that so far Sofala has collected 67.7 per cent of the 4.6 billion meticais (about 126 million US dollars) which is its revenue target for this year. "Our performance is within what was expected", said Sigauque. "At this rate we will achieve our goal."

Sigauque assured Mauria that the Sofala Provincial Finance Directorate is making every effort to contain expenditure, and to broaden the tax base.

Carvalho Muaria said that the effectiveness of tax authorities attracts investors, and expressed satisfaction with the performance of the Finance Directorate.