In a shocking revelation, a joint team of World Bank and government officials is currently inspecting the progress of projects in Isingiro District, as well as other parts of mid-western Uganda, under the Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID) program. The USMID program, backed by a staggering $360 million, is supposed to uplift local government infrastructure. However, as the project’s closure in December approaches, disturbing issues have come to light.
The team’s scrutiny in Isingiro includes the review of ongoing construction of roads and markets, an abattoir, and social centers. A substantial sum of Shs32 billion was allocated to these projects in Isingiro District alone.
This inter-agency inspection team is responsible for verifying the civil works of local government projects before they can be commissioned by the end of the year. Comprising representatives from the Office of the Prime Minister, the ministries of Lands and Local Governments, the PPDA, and the Uganda Road Fund, this team has an uncompromising mandate.
Mr. Johnstone Bigiira, the Ministry of Lands Assistant Commissioner for Land Administration, emphasized that with most projects nearing completion, contractors must focus on critical finishing touches, such as drainage systems and access roads to residences, among other essential elements.
One of the major components of this project involves the construction of four 18.8-kilometer gravel roads by AK Estates, costing Shs4.5 billion. These roads are intended to enhance mobility, particularly in transporting staple crops like matooke and maize.
However, in the Mabone area of Isingiro Town Council, the team issued a stern warning to the contractor regarding equipment demobilization before completing the contracted work. Ms. Olive Nalugo, the USMID project engineer, demanded an immediate halt to any completion reports, stressing the necessity to significantly surpass the mere 60 percent progress observed during the verification exercise.
In a step toward accountability, the team has also reached an agreement with Isingiro District officials to conduct regular testing of gravel depth and quality at 50-meter intervals on each of the roads under construction.
Furthermore, the inspection exposed the sluggish progress of the Shs2.9 billion Isingiro Daily Market project, which has fallen behind schedule. Ms. Nalugo voiced concerns about the project’s extended timeline, issuing a warning that the contractor could face charges for liquidated damages.
Ms. Margaret Lwanga, the USMID environmental specialist, underscored the importance of safety and environmental measures at the project site, particularly erosion control to prevent unchecked water flow.
Eng. Irene Mugisa, the project manager for Beru Investments, the company responsible for constructing the Isingiro Daily Market, pledged to mobilize additional workers on-site. She assured that civil works would be completed within six weeks.
Other roads in Isingiro Town Council, including Sonko, Bidondo, Down Town Road, Taxi Park Links, Kategirwe, and Market Street Road, are slated to be tarmacked to eliminate dust and improve mobility for both motorists and pedestrians.
This alarming situation in Isingiro is not an isolated incident. Similar projects are being implemented in various local governments, including Kamwenge, Kiryandongo, Terego, Arua, Lamwo, Obongi, Yumbe, Madi-Okolo, Adjumani, and Arua. The need for swift corrective action is apparent, as the deadline for project closure rapidly approaches.
