UGANDA, Mbarara | Real Muloodi News | Leaders of Mbarara City and Ntungamo Municipality have raised concerns regarding the delayed completion of two infrastructure projects within their jurisdictions.
Valued at USh34 billion, these projects fall under the Uganda Support for Municipal Development (USMID) program, funded by the World Bank.
Mbarara City and Ntungamo Municipality engaged Multiplex Limited and Ditaco International Trade and Contracting in a joint venture to rehabilitate various roads, totalling 3.73 kilometres in length, for USh23 billion and Shs11 billion respectively.
Originally scheduled to conclude within a year, from May 26, 2021, to May 25, 2022, the completion of these road projects faces significant delays.
Leaders express concerns that the contractor may not deliver before the project’s closure at the end of June. Ntungamo Municipal Development Forum (MDF) president, Mr. Joshua Kansiime, emphasised the contractor’s failure to meet deadlines, comparing it to being in a challenging relationship.
Despite receiving ample support from the municipality, the contractor reportedly lacks the necessary capacity to fulfil the project requirements.
Isiah Tumwesigye, Ntungamo Municipal Town Clerk, highlighted the financial implications of further delays, emphasizing that if the project extends beyond June 30, funds may revert to the World Bank, leaving the municipality unable to compensate the contractor.
Concerns were also raised about the repetition of such issues and the need for accountability in contractor selection.
Geoffrey Mucunguzi, Ntungamo Resident District Commissioner, emphasised the need for improved contract allocation methods to avoid financial losses resulting from delays.
James Mwesigye, Mbarara Resident City Commissioner, echoed these sentiments, calling for an investigation into possible collusion during the contract award process.
The Multiplex Limited General Manager, Mr Sam Sserunkuma, acknowledged the challenges faced by the company due to the magnitude of the project compared to its capacity.
Deputy Inspector General of Government, Ms. Patricia Achan Okiria, stressed the importance of timely project completion to maintain public trust and combat corruption.
She urged the contractor to demonstrate commitment to meet the project deadlines, highlighting the potential consequences of further delays.
Ms Achan emphasised the need for collaboration between stakeholders to ensure the successful completion of the remaining project tasks within the specified timeframe.
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