Contractor abandons work over non-payment
Deserted. A man inspects an abandoned cattle dip in Abim District. Construction of cattle dips in the district has stalled after the contractor abandoned the project. PHOTO BY STEVE ARIONG
What you need to know:
- Ms Joyce Akidi, another resident, said they have lost several animals as a result of tick-borne diseases.
- Mr Simon Seguya Lubega, a contractor working with Cornerstone Infrastructure Ltd, said he had abandoned work over unpaid dues.
The construction of cattle dips in Abim District has stalled after the contractor allegedly abandoned the project over failure by the district to clear his outstanding balance of Shs37 million.
The project that has been funded by government and donors had been valued at Shs100 million.
However, the construction process that commenced in August 2017 under Peace Recovery Development Programme, has been stagnant since last year.
Mr Peter Owili, one of the residents, observed that they have tried to contact the district to find out why the project stalled but in vein.
“We have smelt a rat. It could be that part of the money has been misused,” he said.
Ms Joyce Akidi, another resident, said they have lost several animals as a result of tick-borne diseases.
Mr Simon Seguya Lubega, a contractor working with Cornerstone Infrastructure Ltd, said he had abandoned work over unpaid dues.
“Abim District has not cleared my money amounting to Shs37 million and whenever I come to meet the CAO, I don’t find him and he doesn’t even pickup my calls,” he said. Mr Emmanuel Ofono, the chief administrative officer, declined to answer our repeated calls. Mr Jimmy Ocero, the district chairperson, said the money was taken back to the Treasury after the contractor failed to complete the work in time.
