Authorities in Kabale Municipality are raising concerns and calling for a government investigation into the delayed road works being carried out by Multiplex Construction Company Limited in the area.
The construction company was awarded a contract in May 2021 to tarmac three roads as part of the Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development project.
The roads include a 0.76-kilometer Bwankosa road, a 0.34KM Bushekwire Road, and a 2.47KM road that connects Kabale Diocesan Headquarters to the Katuna-Kabale-Mbarara Highway.
The project, worth Shillings 21.7 billion, is funded by the World Bank, with an initial completion deadline set for May 2022.
However, despite three extensions being granted, the construction progress remains at a mere 26.4 percent in Kabale Municipality.
The contract officially expired on 27th March, and as a result of the delay, the contractor is now paying liquidated damages of Shillings 23 million per working day to the Municipality.
This payment is due in 100 working days and will end on 3rd August 2023. The Kabale Municipality Mayor, Emmanuel Sentaro Byamugisha, made it clear that after this date, the municipality will look for another contractor to complete the work.
The Kabale Municipality Member of Parliament, Nicholas Kamara, who previously took the matter to the floor of Parliament and petitioned the company over construction delays, emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the company’s conduct.
He even expressed willingness to engage the diocesan Bishop in fundraising efforts to ensure the completion of the Rushoroza project, which was promised as a presidential road pledge.
When contacted about the matter, the Minister for Information Communication Technology and National Guidance, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, issued an apology on behalf of the government for the delays.
He attributed the issue to a lack of diligence on the part of the contractor. Dr. Baryomunsi assured the public of the government’s commitment to using direct procurement to secure another contractor once the liquidated damages period is over, to ensure the completion of the roads.
