“We want USMID work in Lira City to be completed on time and with quality,” said Dr. Morris Chris Ongom, the newly elected chairman of the Uganda National Chamber of Commerce Lira branch, expressing his concerns about the delayed completion of the USMID contract in Lira City, which is nearing expiration without meeting the expected standards.
Dr. Morris Chris Ongom outlined his opinions regarding the contract period as follows:
“The deadline for this USMID contract with Abubakar is December 31, 2023. I am concerned that the level of progress being made is quite worrisome. The Lira City Development Forum (CDF) and the business community are putting the Lead Engineer of Abubakar, the City Engineer, and the Project Management Committee on notice. We have been quiet for too long, but that won’t continue. People’s businesses have been in jeopardy for almost three years, and Christmas 2023 is approaching. The team seems to be moving at its own speed, and the citizens are suffering. As leaders, we must push for progress if that is the language Abubakar understands.
As the Lira City Development Forum (CDF), we demand an immediate meeting with the City Council and Abubakar before November 30, 2023, to update us on the progress of USMID works and share strategies for project completion.
We want the ongoing road works in the city and economic infrastructures to be completed on time with quality, adhering to the contract extension terms signed between Abubakar and Lira City Council and in line with the World Bank’s funding timeline of December 31, 2023.
I am Dr. Morris Chris Ongom, President of the Lira City Development Forum and Chairman of the Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Lira.”