Gulu, Uganda: Leaders across the Acholi Sub-region have challenged contractors implementing government-funded education infrastructure projects to deliver quality work, adhere to contractual specifications, and complete construction within the agreed timelines, as works officially commenced on two new Seed Secondary Schools worth Shs6.2 billion.
The appeal was made during the handover of construction sites for Laroo Seed Secondary School in Pece-Laroo Division, Gulu, and Pajule Seed Secondary School in Pader to Zip Construction Uganda Limited, the contractor undertaking the projects.
The two schools are being constructed under the Uganda Secondary Education Expansion Project (USEEP), funded by the World Bank through the Ministry of Education and Sports, with completion expected within ten months.
Speaking during the site handover in Gulu, Mayor Julius Labeja Acire applauded the Government of Uganda and the Ministry of Education for expanding access to secondary education through investment in modern school infrastructure.
He, however, cautioned the contractor against compromising quality, emphasizing strict adherence to approved engineering designs, the Building Control Act, construction permits, routine inspections, and all contractual obligations.
“We expect quality work that reflects value for public money. The contractor must adhere to the agreed specifications and complete the project within the stipulated timeline,” Labeja said.
The mayor also urged the contractor to prioritize local employment during construction.
“Government projects should directly benefit our communities. Employing local labour will create jobs, build skills and ensure local people appreciate and protect the project,” he added.
Representing the Ministry of Education and Sports, Justine Odong said the contractor has been allocated ten months to complete both schools and warned that the ministry will not entertain requests for avoidable time extensions or additional project costs.
“There will be no extension of time and no unnecessary additional costs. The contractor is expected to plan adequately and deliver within the contract period,” Odong said.
The Executive Director of Zip Construction Uganda Limited, Eng. Olal Andrew Cohen, assured government officials and local leaders that the company would deliver the projects on schedule while maintaining the required quality standards.
“As a Ugandan company, we understand the importance of local content. We shall employ people from the surrounding communities wherever possible while ensuring that quality standards are maintained,” Cohen said.
In Pader, leaders equally welcomed the commencement of the Pajule Seed Secondary School project, describing it as a long-awaited investment that will improve access to secondary education in the district.
Pader Woman Member of Parliament Hon. CD Lowila said the new school will ease the burden on learners who currently travel long distances to access secondary education.
She noted that the absence of nearby government secondary schools has contributed to school dropouts among learners in Pajule and surrounding communities.
The Pader District LCV Chairperson also urged the contractor to deliver durable infrastructure by maintaining the required construction standards and observing the agreed completion schedule.
The construction of the two schools forms part of the government’s broader strategy to increase equitable access to secondary education, particularly in underserved and hard-to-reach communities.
According to the Ministry of Education and Sports, a standard Seed Secondary School comprises modern classroom blocks, fully equipped science laboratories, ICT laboratories, a library, administration offices, teachers’ houses, sanitation facilities, reliable water and electricity supply, multipurpose halls, sports facilities, perimeter fencing, and disability-friendly infrastructure to support inclusive education.
Education officials say the facilities are expected to reduce congestion in existing secondary schools, improve the transition rate from primary to secondary education, strengthen science and technology learning, and expand access to quality education across rural and peri-urban communities.
Once completed, the Laroo and Pajule Seed Secondary Schools are expected to serve thousands of learners from Gulu, Pader, and neighbouring districts, supporting improved education outcomes and long-term socio-economic development across the Acholi Sub-region.
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