The construction of classroom blocks at Opit Secondary School has
stalled.
The 556 Million Shillings project funded by the World Bank commenced on May 1st
this year but later stalled after the contractor abandoned the site.
Robert Obina, the Headmaster of Opit Secondary School revealed that the project
being undertaken by Muteco International Limited comprises of construction of
classroom blocks, science room blocks and stances of ventilated improved pit
latrines and that the work stalled at 40 percent only.
The Project Supervision Guidelines indicates that the Ministry of
Education and Sports is the one responsible for the supervision of the project
and paying the contractor undertaking the construction work.
Obina says that he has several times contacted the Project Engineer of the Ministry
of Education and Sports but no explanation has been given for stalling of
works.
Fr. Robert Lukwiya Ochola, the Chairman Board of Opit Secondary School says the
site was handed over to the contractor in February this year but that the
contractor took long to report to the site.
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Lukwiya revealed that though the work started late, the contractor
disappeared from the site leaving behind his workers who also abandoned the
site.
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Eng. Douglas Tumwine, the Project Engineer at the Ministry of Education
and Sports says that there were delays to pay the contractor money to begin construction works. He however
declined to explain what caused the delay.
According
to Tumwine, that they are making plans to ensure that the contractor is paid
after the release of funds of the first quarter of this financial year.
Jesse Johnson James
Freelancer