UGX 89 Billion water project stalls over funding

Ntoroko, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The delayed completion of the 89 billion Shillings water project in Ntoroko has raised concern from the district authorities. In 2018, the African Development Bank through the Ministry of Water and Environment launched the construction of the project to supply clean and safe water to six sub-counties in the lowlands of the district.

The project, which was scheduled to serve 40,000 people in the district was to be implemented in Butungama Bweramule, Rwebisengo, Kanara sub counties, and Kanara, Kibuku, and Rwebisengo town councils over a period of three years. However, the project stalled in 2020 barely after the completion of the first phase.

William Kasoro, the Ntoroko district chairman says the second phase of the project has failed to commence since 2020 despite the fact that it is fully funded.

Kasoro says by the time the project stalled, more than four of the beneficiary sub-counties were yet to be connected to the water supply. He says despite their repeated reminders to the ministry of water and environment officials on the matter, nothing has been done to complete the project.

Charles Otai, the Ntoroko Chief Administrative Officer says that the first phase of the project was completed in 2020 after several interruptions caused by floods and the COVID-19 pandemic. He explains that the district is still waiting for communication from the ministry of water and environment on when the work will resume.

Engineer Jamil Wesigomwe from the Ministry of Water and Environment, who is also the project manager told the Uganda Radio Network that the project has not stalled. He explained that they are working on the project in phases and the first phase cost Shillings 30 billion.

Wesigomwe says the second phase which was calculated to cost 60 billion Shillings could not commence after the African Development Bank pulled out of the project. He explains that the ministry of water and environment and the National Water and Sewage Cooperation have taken up the project and will soon resume work on the project when funds are readily available.

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