Kapchorwa, Uganda – Ugandans across the country have raised concerns over what they describe as the unrealistic cost of dam and valley tank construction by the Ministry of Water and Environment.
According to their analysis, the equipment used by the Ministry of Water to excavate soil during the construction of valley tanks is government-owned — even the fuel used is provided by the government. Yet, despite this, the cost of constructing these dams remains very high.
They argue that the cost of constructing a single valley tank ranges between Shs 1 billion and Shs 3 billion, even though the same government-employed engineers are the ones doing the work.
Joseph Chemutai, one of the economic analysts, said the Ministry of Water’s spending on these valley dams should be a concern for every Ugandan.
“Most of the valley tanks and dams are not constructed by private contractors. It is the same ministry officials, employed by the government, who do the work. But how they arrive at such high prices for these projects is a question that needs answers,” he said.
Mr. Philip Wadamba from Sironko added that many engineers in the Ministry of Water do not have the country at heart, but are instead driven by personal gain.
“Go and see the irrigation project in Ngenge right now — then try to estimate how much it cost. You will faint,” he said.
Meanwhile, concerned youth from the Sebei region are preparing a dossier to be submitted to the Vice National Chairperson of the NRM, Mr. Calvin Echodu, to deliver to the President. The report will highlight the urgent need for affirmative action on water projects in the Sebei region.
