In 2016/2017 financial year, Bukedea District Local Government awarded a contract of 79 Million Shillings to Link Company Limited to construct a General Ward in Kachumbala Health Center. But after the construction works, the facility never lived to serve its purpose.
Residents in Bukedea District are seeking attention from state
agencies in the construction works of Kachumbala General Ward.
In 2016/2017 financial year, Bukedea District Local Government
awarded a contract of 79 Million Shillings to Link Company Limited to construct
a General Ward in Kachumbala Health Center. But after the construction works,
the facility never lived to serve its purpose.
Residents in the area say the ward only helped in Safe Male
Circumcision activities before it was declared a threat to the community. The house
developed cracks on the ceiling that eventually caused the roof to collapse.
When the district officials visited the unit, they instead
recommended re-roofing instead of fresh construction of the ward. The district
also recommended and contracted the same company to roof the ward, something
that angered residents.
At the beginning of works early this month, residents protested
and attempted to stop the contractor from continuing with the work, attracting
the intervention from the district officials who threatened to quit works
because of the conduct from the community.
According to residents, the building had developed huge cracks not
only on the roof but the walls too. They wanted the building demolished and a new
one constructed.
Justine Asire, a resident in Kachumbala says there is no value for
money in the construction of Kachumbala General Ward.
Ateso byte
// cue in “Etogo ngon...
Cue out...anyunyura eong noi”//
Grace Amutosi Maaset, the Village Chairperson of Kachumbala says it was a
wasted effort by government. She explains that after two months of completion
of works, the house developed cracks but the leaders turned a deaf ear to the
concerns raised by the community and went ahead and paid the contractor.
// cue in “Itei isio bala...
Cue out...atacakin ngesi”//
Moses Elungat, the Parish Councilor for Sub County Councilor
representing Kacumbala Parish wants the district to meet residents in
Kachumbala to explain why the house had to be roofed on a weak wall.
// cue in “For us people...
Cue out...we want”//
Hajji Rathan Walugembe, the Resident District Commissioner of Bukedea says his
office is following up with the matter.
// cue in “I have learnt of...
Cue out...going to act”//
Stephen Ikodet, the Acting District Health Officer declined to comment on the
matter when contacted. The ward is currently being roofed.
