Kiryandongo leaders express worry over contractor’s return on Shs 3.36bn project

By Stephen Jamugisha

KIRYANDONGO, UGANDA: Authorities in Kiryandongo have expressed worries over the award of the Contractor who executed construction works at Kitwara Seed secondary school in Kiryandongo sub-county citing poor workmanship and relations with the district leadership.

CMD Investments LTD was awarded the contract for the construction of Kitwara seed school at 2.3 billion in 2020 and now the 3.36 billion at Kigumba seed secondary school.

While addressing the community at Kitwanga cell in Kigumba town council during the launch of Kigumba Seed secondary school on Friday, May 19, 2023, Edith Aliguma the District chairperson urged the contractor to cooperate with the district leadership so as to ensure timely delivery of the project at a desired quality.

“We could not stop you from being awarded the contract for Kigumba seed secondary school but we as leaders shall not allow what happened in Kitwara to happen here at Kigumba. “said Aliguma.

The 3.36 billion Kigumba seed secondary school is expected to deliver six classrooms, administration block, a science block, a teachers’ house, a kitchen, 14 stances of lined VIP latrines, a CT/library, a multi-purpose hall, a 5,000-litre water tank and a sports field. The contract runs for a period of 18 months starting on March 20, 2023, and ending on September 20, 2024.

Martin Jacan Gwokto the CAO Kiryandongo said he will not hesitate to terminate the contract if the contractor does not follow the work plan stipulated in the bills of quantities provided emphasizing that the community was desirous to use the facility and there should not be any delay to complete the project in time. “If we do bad works, history will judge us. If the building collapses on the children, we shall be responsible. “said Gwokto.

The CAO also called upon the community of Kitwanga to avail more land to the school so that all the planned facilities could fit. Kigumba seed school currently sits on 5 acres which is not sufficient for future developments at the school.

Dan Muganga the RDC urged the community to own the project and guard it jealously during and after implementation since the facilities will be used by their own children. Muganga also vowed to put to task the project implementation management team so that they perform their roles and ensure quality work are delivered.

Kigumba seed secondary school is the second to be constructed by the government in Kiryandongo district after Kitwara.