Works Minister Robert Morgan has explained that late bill submissions caused the delay in payments to some workers for the Christmas work programme.

He was reacting to comments by his opposition counterpart Richard Azan who chastised the government for not paying the workers.

Morgan pointed out that the government must ensure that payments made are based on proper documentation.

The minister also rubbished azans claims about not providing funding for the programme.

Morgan in turn criticised Azan for politicising the programme.