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Kitgum, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The first phase of construction of roads in Kitgum municipality has been commissioned, thanks to the World Bank-funded Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development programme (USMID).
The work valued at 16.1 billion Shillings covers a total of seven roads crossing through 2.89 kilometers in the divisions of Pandwong and Central. A Chinese firm, China Railway 18 Bureau Group Co. Ltd has been granted the tender for the construction, which is expected to last 15 months.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony in Kitgum municipality on Wednesday, Lands Minister Judith Nabakooba called on the contractor to deliver quality work and within the stipulated contract duration. She also tasked the supervising consultant to ensure that the contractor delivers as per the contract agreement.
Nabakooba said that due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, USMID projects in many municipalities including Kitgum dragged on, adding that the contractor has to expedite work to avoid further delay in its implementation.
She notes that the project is a blessing for urban development in Kitgum municipality, and notes that if the funds are well utilized, there will be increased chances of getting more funding in future. Nabakoba however tasked the Municipal Council leaders to ensure transparency in the implementation of the USMID programme.
Kitgum Municipal Council has so far received 13.5 billion Shillings from the government for the implementation of USMID project. The government is expected to disburse more than 9.5 billion Shillings this financial year 2021/2022 for the same project.
Mario Obiga Kania, the State Minister for Lands, Housing, and Urban development, however called on the residents and local leaders in the municipality to own the project for its smooth implementation. He notes that currently, the majority of the population are moving from rural to urban centres, a trend that demands more commitment in developing the urban areas and developing physical development plans.
Kitgum Municipal Council Mayor Richard Ojara has cautioned the contractor against undertaking shoddy work arguing that they risk being reprimanded and terminated.
Zhang Zhiwei, the Commercial Manager China Railway 18 Bureau Group has pledged to deliver value for money for the project citing the firm has the capacity and competence within and outside the country.
He says the firm is currently in the mobilization stage, adding that they will kick off the road design reviews and transportation of equipment that are within the country and outside to the project site in Kitgum municipality.
The roads that will be constructed in the first phase are Janani Luwum, Lakidi, Philip Adonga, Kitgum road, Tom Apila all in Central division, Oneka road, and Aya Hellen Dean in Pandwong division.
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