The Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has questioned the delayed completion of the construction of a 100-bed ward at Luwero hospital and the district headquarters block.
In 2011/12, Luwero district with support from the Ministry of Health embarked on the construction of a 100-bed ward at Luwero hospital at 7.2 billion Shillings. The government has so far injected 2.5 billion Shillings and two out of five floors have been completed.
In 2016/17 financial year, the district embarked on the construction of the four-storied building at 6.7 billion Shillings to accommodate district headquarters. So far the district has injected 2.85 billion shillings and the project is on the second floor.
During her mobilization tour in Luwero district, the LCV Chairperson Erastus Kibirango asked Nabbanja to ensure the government completes the projects by providing the necessary funds at once.
But Nabbanja questioned the delayed completion of the projects saying the government has extended huge funds to them for years.
Nabbanja explained that Kakumiro constructed the district headquarters at only 800 million Shillings and wondered why Luwero was demanding a staggering 6.7 billion Shillings.
Nabbanja tasked Luwero Chief Administrative Officer Innocent Asaba to account for the funds disbursed to the district for the projects.
Asaba defended the costs of the buildings saying the buildings are complex and there was value for the money spent so far.
Kibirango also defended the contracts awarded so far saying they were all approved by the Solicitor General and the buildings are bigger than that of Kakumiro district.
Nabbanja ordered Luwero CAO to award the contracts to the engineering brigade of Uganda People Defense Forces to ensure the projects are constructed at a reasonable amount.
Nabbanja also promised that the government will continue to extend funds in the current and next financial years to ensure the two projects are completed.
Ronald Ndawula the District National Resistance Movement Chairperson said although they want the project completed soon, they are not happy with Nabbanja directive to award contracts to the engineering brigade of UPDF because it will leave local contractors and their dependents with no jobs. URN