JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Jackson Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba pushed back against recent allegations made by City Councilman Kenneth Stokes, Ward 3.

The mayor said Stokes’ claim that work to repair a bridge on Mill and Hamilton Street halted after the city failed to pay crews was unfounded.

Lumumba admitted the city was previously behind on paying Hemphill Construction, the company in charge of making the repairs, but he said those payments have since been made.

The mayor also said work on the bridge was delayed due to crews waiting on equipment. He said the matter was previously discussed with the Jackson City Council.

“That’s old news, and the information that we shared with the council was that we were trying to catch up on bill that were delayed for some time. So, what it appears is that there’s an effort to throw any and everything against the wall at this late hour, even delivering old news that has now not only been addressed but is moving forward,” said Lumumba. “There are a number of reasons why projects are delayed. Bridge projects specifically take a long time in order to be resolved.”

WJTV 12 News contacted the construction company. They had no comment on any missed payments, and they said they are still working on the bridge.

City leaders said work on the bridge will continue on May 15.