Residents of Matanda in Kihiihi subcounty are set to benefit from a shillings 179m renovation of Matanda Primary school. The delayed renovation had caused anxiety following heavy winds that blew off the roof of a classroom block leaving pupils and teachers stranded.
The Ground breaking function for the construction of a new classroom block and several other facilities was held yesterday at the school premises
Kinkizi west MP Hon James Ruugi Kaberuka while officiating at the function called upon citizens to always be patient when government or an organization makes a pledge or commitment for them.
The project that is supported by UNHCR will see the construction of a three-classroom block with a terazo floor, five stance VIP latrine, a rain water harvesting tank and furniture in the first phase.
According to Akolade Aderibige –the programs officer and in-charge of the UNHCR Mbarara office, the first phase will cost 179 million shillings and the contract has been awarded to JEMASO enterprises limited with a contract duration of eight months.
He attributed the delay in constructing Matanda primary school to the outbreak of COVID 19 that affected their finances
He lauded the Ugandan government for allowing to host refugees with the country currently being home to over one million refugees and promised to continue supporting the refugee hosting communities.
Kanungu RDC Ambrose Mwesigye said the strong wind that blew off the roof of one of the old structures was a blessing in disguise that has now brought them world class structures.
He asked the contractor to employ locals in this project but warned the locals against stealing the construction materials vowing to prosecute any that will be arrested.
Kanungu district chairperson Eng Sam Arinitwe Kajojo lauded UNHCR for this intervention but asked for support in rehabilitating the Kihihi-Matanda- Kameme road and Kyeshero- Kashenyi road. He also asked for a staff house at Matanda health centre iii , all of which have an effect on the refugees.
He is optimistic that the good structure will increase on the enrollment of the school and as such tasked the head teacher to ensure this comes with good grades.
Okite Moses –the director Jemaso enterprises ltd promised to deliver quality and timely work and asked the local leaders to endorse and second good people he can employ.
