HGP Nightly News – A $3 billion secondary school project in Region 1 is now at the centre of intensifying political and public scrutiny, with opposition MPs demanding a full audit after a contractor levelled serious, but unverified, allegations of financial impropriety and political pressure.
The Hosororo Secondary School project, years in development, has been plagued by delays and questions over cost management. The controversy escalated after opposition MPs Sherod Duncan and Juretha Fernandes conducted a site visit and publicly declared the facility behind schedule. Duncan immediately called for a comprehensive audit, citing concerns over timelines, construction sequencing, and overall project execution.
Contractor’s Claims
In a video statement now circulating publicly, contractor Jackson Nevins alleged that he faced improper financial demands in connection with the project. He claimed that individuals purportedly linked to senior officials sought payments to facilitate approvals. Nevins also asserted that his company is owed monies for works already completed.
These allegations have not been independently verified. No formal findings have been made, and no charges have been filed. The claims remain unsubstantiated at this time.
Government Responds
Days after the opposition MPs’ site visit, the government proceeded with a phased opening of the school. However, during scrutiny of the 2026 Budget Estimates in the National Assembly, the responsible minister acknowledged under direct questioning from MP Duncan that the project remains incomplete. Completion is now projected for the second quarter of this year.
The admission has further fuelled calls for transparency. Duncan and Fernandes have repeatedly pressed for a full forensic examination of the contract, arguing that taxpayers are entitled to clarity on why a $3 billion investment remains unfinished.
Official Frameworks
The government has consistently maintained that all public procurement and infrastructure projects are subject to established legal and oversight frameworks. Officials have pointed to standard processes for contract management, payment schedules, and dispute resolution.
However, with a contractor publicly alleging irregularities and parliamentary scrutiny intensifying, the Hosororo school project is likely to remain under active political and public examination. The call for an audit, first raised by opposition MPs, shows no sign of dissipating.
Whether the allegations are substantiated or the delays prove to be a matter of conventional construction challenges, the project now carries a political weight that extends far beyond its original scope.
