Construction of Shs400m health centre ward stalls

The construction of the Out Patient Department (OPD) ward at Eria Health Centre IV in Moyo Sub-county, Moyo District, has stalled for seven months over lack of funds.
The project that was awarded to Iron Investment and Construction Ltd, a construction firm based in Arua District, was supposed to end in March this year.

Officials at the district say they have so far released Shs338 million out of the total Shs400 million needed for the project’s completion.
Mr Alex Chelimo, the Moyo District chief administrative officer, on Wednesday said the construction commenced in November 2018.
“It is true the work has stalled for over seven months and we have written warning letters to the contractor twice and he did not respond,” Mr Chelimo said.

“We may also seek the advice of the Solicitor General. What is now remaining is grinding the stones, putting bulbs, painting and working on some of the cracks in some of the rooms,” he added.
Mr Daniel Buni, the Moyo Sub-county chairperson, advised the district leaders to take serious action against errant contractors.
“The way some of the contractors are doing their work is sometimes uncalled for and something has to be done so that we have the value for money,” Mr Buni said.

Mr Williams Anyama, the Moyo District chairperson, said the contractor has deprived the locals of service delivery.
“How can government entertain this kind of people? The contractor cannot do this at the expense of ordinary people. We care about the people and the project must be completed,” he said.
A foreman at the construction site, who declined to be named because he is not authorised to speak to the media, said: “There were some meetings held by our boss (contractor) and Community Project Management Committees (CPMCs). We are waiting for communication from him. But we are here to complete the work.”
Mr Ham Enzama, the director of Iron Investment and Construction Company, could not be reached for a comment by press time.

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