UGANDA, Masaka | Real Muloodi News | The contractor of the multi-billion dollar Child and Maternity Complex at Masaka Regional Referral Hospital, Tirupati Development Uganda Limited, has explained why the project has dragged on for eight years.
Construction of the USh10.6 billion facility began in 2015. The 400-bed facility was scheduled to be finished in 2017, however, works are still ongoing.
According to Mr Miraj Barot, Managing Director of Tirupati Development Uganda Limited, government delays in releasing funding have frustrated the completion of the multi-billion Child and Maternity Complex.
Project delays were also attributed to two successive Covid-19 induced lockdowns, as well as changes in the designs to incorporate an intensive care unit (ICU).
“Both casual and technical workers were reduced by half during Covid-19, which was later worsened by the two successive Covid-19 induced lockdowns that affected the supply chain of building materials,” Mr Barot said during a press conference on November 27.
“Despite all those challenges, we are now focusing on providing a well-designed structure that will stand the test of time and also serve the intended purpose,” he said.
Dr Gonzaga Ssenyondo, the head of the maternity ward at Masaka Regional Referral Hospital, says the construction works stand at 93 per cent and the government has promised the final release of USh2.2 billion to complete the project.
While inspecting government projects in Masaka last month, the State Minister for Economic Monitoring, Ms Beatrice Akello, applauded Tirupati’s work. However, she lamented delays in the completion of many projects, despite the government investing significant amounts of money in them.
“Some of the explanations from officials are valid, like change in structure designs to include the Intensive Care Unit which is very important, and then Covid-19 effects, but that cannot explain an eight-year delay in a project,” Minister Akello noted.
Notwithstanding, Ms Akello said during her visit that she would work with the line ministries to see that the last USh2.2 billion will be released so that the contractor could finish the project.
The revision in designs to incorporate the ICU has increased the cost from USh10.6 billion to USh12.2 billion.
The Child and Maternity Complex will eventually include two cutting-edge theatres, a gynaecology unit, prenatal and neonatal centres, labour and post-natal wards, and more. Additionally, it will contain fully modernised paediatric, nutrition, and adolescent health units.
About Tirupati Development Uganda Limited
Tirupati Development Uganda Limited is located in Kamwokya Kampala Uganda. The Company, which derives its name from its mother company TIRUPATI SARJAN INDIA, was established in 2006 to undertake civil construction and real estate development business in Uganda.
The company so far completed and delivered over 2000 projects in India consisting of residential estates, commercial, shopping complexes, recreational parks and educational facilities valued at $billion. All projects are spread across Europe, Asia and currently Africa, in particular Uganda, where a number of projects are under development.
Tirupati Development Uganda is committed to providing well-designed projects and property services to both residential and commercial proprietors besides preserving the environment.
The Company Managing Director, Miraj Barot says the company comprises qualified local and international staff and associates who have built up local knowledge and understanding of the country to create a more efficient property market for the long-term benefit of the community.
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