Samuel Amanya
Rukungiri Municipal and district authorities are expressing dissatisfaction with the contractors responsible for the sanitation facilities project in Rukungiri district. They criticize the contractors for causing delays and providing irrelevant excuses despite the project being underway for five months. This has raised concerns among district officials responsible for monitoring and supervising government projects.
The contract, initially funded by the World Bank with a value exceeding five billion Uganda Shillings, was awarded to VIDAS Construction Company Limited in July 2023, under the Ministry of Water, Environment, and Directorate. The project encompasses the construction of a Faecal sludge in Kagunga, airborne toilets at Kebisoni market, Nyamayenje market, Nyakibale hospital, and various schools in the district.
Ahimbisibwe Wilberforce Ongom, the Deputy RDC of Rukungiri district, has sternly warned the contractors about the delays, emphasizing that officials and Ugandans are keen to witness progress rather than hearing excuses. Ongom stressed that mismanagement of government programs is unacceptable and damages the government’s reputation.
Charles Makuru, the Mayor of Rukungiri Municipality, expressed gratitude to the government for selecting Rukungiri district for the sanitation projects. However, he voiced disappointment with the contractors for impeding the progress, asserting that it has hindered the district’s development. Makuru highlighted the district officials’ responsibility to monitor government program progress and stated they have the authority to halt contractors if mismanagement occurs.
Efforts to engage with the contractors’ representatives proved unsuccessful, as they were unwilling to discuss the matter.
