Kagina warns Chinese firms on road delays

Ms Allen Kagina (2ndL) speaks to engineers of China Railway No 5 at Atanga Bridge in Pader District on Wednesday. Photo by Julius Ocungi

Pader- Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) executive director Allen Kagina has vowed to revoke contracts awarded to some Chinese companies undertaking roads construction in the country over delays to complete works.

While on a one-day visit to Agago, Pader, Kitgum and Lamwo districts on Wednesday, Ms Kagina said some Chinese contractors were reluctant on beating deadlines since they lack certain equipment and have unregistered engineers.

“The days of when you (Chinese contractors) could get five to seven contracts even when the other contracts have not been performed are over. The UNRA of today will not accept this and those that have shown they can’t perform will be deleted and have their contracts awarded to a new contractor,” Ms Kagina said.

She cited the contract of China Railway No 5, a Chinese construction firm contracted to build the 73km road from Unyama in Gulu District to Acholi-bur in Pader is likely to be cancelled since they have failed to impress her on their progress.

Gulu-Acholi-bur road construction works were commissioned by President Museveni last February, along with the Olwiyo-Gulu and Kitgum-Musingo (in Lamwo) funded at Shs525b by government.

However, to-date, the contractors have only performed 20 per cent of the roadworks.