Mbale to Recieve UGX10bn for USMID Project

Mbale municipality is set to receive over 10 billion shillings for the second phase of the Uganda Support to Municipality Infrastructure Development- USMID project.

The first phase of USMID programme started in 2014 and was expected to be completed in 2015. However early this year, Zong Mei, a Chinese company was awarded the contract to complete the road works at 7 billion shillings.

Rhoda Nyaribi, the USMID programme coordinator, says that the municipal council is waiting for Parliament's approval and clearance of the Solicitor General to receive the funds and start the procurement process.

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She notes that the previous phase of the project faced challenges such as failure to do due diligence during the procurement process and inadequate funds.

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Kenneth Khatuli the assistant town clerk of Mbale said there is need for vigilance of the contractor who will be selected for the second phase to avoid repeating past mistakes.

Mafabi Mutwalib Zandya, the Mayor Mbale Municipality says that the residents and traders with businesses have been told to vacate.

He adds that no license shall be issued or renewed to any trader unless the roadworks are completed.

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In the first phase, Zong Mei a company that was contracted to complete the road works of the first phase has so far worked up to 90% of the works. Roads like Republic Street, Nabuyoga Rise, and Mugisu hill have been completed.

The Chinese company also installed street lights and worked on the drainage system.

Roads such Cathedral Avenue, Palisa road, Naboa are among those to be worked on in the second phase of the project.

Other roads include Central road, North Road, Ring Road towards the presidential circuit.

The funds will also be used to beautify the town.