NELSON K
Local leaders in Rutenga Sub-County, Kanungu District, have raised concerns about the district engineer’s failure to complete road construction projects, despite the necessary funds being released by the district local government.
Ainembabazi Brosa, the Rutenga LC5 Councillor, expressed his frustration in an interview with a Boona Radio reporter. He criticized the Kanungu District Engineer, Eng. Mutumba Eric, for not completing the road projects on time as expected, despite the funds being allocated in the budget. Brosa highlighted the poor construction of the Murambo Rugyeyo road, the incomplete Kilimbe Rutenga Kerere road (despite an allocation of 80 million shillings), and the halfway completed Rutenga Nyamasiizi road.
He expressed disappointment about the engineer’s negligence in fulfilling the planned work and noted that last year, the local government had to return unused funds to the government. He called for accountability from the district engineer since the funds were budgeted and released.
The Rutenga Sub-County LC3 Chairperson, Mr. Asiimwe Joab, also shared his dissatisfaction with the delay and incomplete work on the Rutenga Rugyeyo road, which was only completed for 3 kilometers. He mentioned that he had consulted the LC5 Chairperson, who assured him that the released funds should have been used to complete the road, not just the 3-kilometer stretch. Asiimwe promised to organize a committee to address the issue.
Additionally, he pointed out that despite 81 million shillings being allocated for the Rutenga Nyamasiizi road, no construction had yet started. He also communicated with the LC5 Chairperson about this, mentioning that the allocated funds were insufficient to complete the project. Asiimwe further criticized the district engineer for his negligence and carelessness, noting that the engineer often blames the shortage of machinery for the delays. He also urged patience from residents, mentioning that construction work was currently focused on the western region and would move to their area afterward.
In response, Eng. Mutumba Eric, the Kanungu District Engineer, explained that the district had several ongoing road construction projects, which had kept the team busy. He acknowledged that some roads, like the Murambo Rugyeyo road, were still under maintenance. He also mentioned that the truck used to transport marrum for road construction had experienced mechanical damage. He requested patience from affected residents and leaders and assured them that the incomplete roads would be prioritized as the funds had already been released and budgeted for.
