Masindi residents petition Works Ministry over shoddy road works
He, however, stressed that by the time they rehabilitated the road, the price of fuel had shot up, contrary to what was in the BOQs.
Masindi: Residents from Kihande 1, Rwijere, Rwensa, and Nyabisense in Nyangahya Division are quite dissatisfied with the rehabilitation of the Kihande-Nyabisense road.
The road, which was reconstructed at a cost of 210 million shillings, has drawn criticism due to several issues.
These include poor workmanship, culverts that are not properly joined, substandard head walls with cracks, and access roads lacking culverts.
Additionally, the petitioners claim that the road was intentionally left narrow, contrary to the original Bill of Quantities (BOQs). Out of the planned 200 culverts with a diameter of 600 mm, only 135 were installed, and nearly 37 of these culverts were allegedly rejected. Furthermore, no culverts of 900 mm were planted as specified in the BOQs.
The petition has been submitted to Cosmas Byaruhanga, the district chairman, who will deliver it to the commissioner of works at the Ministry of Works and Transport.
Rogers Amanyire, a resident of Kayanja Cell, emphasized that the community unanimously opposes accepting the road in its current condition and has called upon relevant authorities to intervene.
Amanyire’s call for an audit is crucial. Transparency and accountability are essential in any infrastructure project. By involving an external engineer from Hoima, they’ve taken a step in the right direction.
According to Amanyire, petitioning the commissioner of works at the Ministry of Works and Transport is a commendable approach to seek redress.
Emmanuel Kahombo, a resident of Rwijere observed poor rehabilitation despite significant funds allocated highlights the need for quality control. Roads play a vital role in communities, and their proper construction and maintenance are essential.
Herbert Muhumuza, a resident of Kihande 1 Cell concerned about the culverts further emphasizes the need for thorough inspections during the rehabilitation process. Cracked culverts pose risks and can compromise the road’s longevity.
John Kasaija, the Masindi Municipal Engineer explaned that adhered to the BOQs but sheds light on the challenges faced during implementation.
‘’Fuel price fluctuations impacted project costs, but also those complaining wanted culverts to be installed on access roads which wasn’t in the BOQs.’’
Lastly, Ronald Kyomuhendo Businge, the Masindi Municipal Mayor asserted that the petitioners are politically motivated thus adding another layer of complexity.
‘’’Seeking intervention from the Inspectorate of Government (IGG) might be a viable option if their concerns remain unaddressed.’’
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