By Mubiru Ivan
Members of Parliament have accused government of delaying the implementation of a World Bank funded project known as Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID) Programme in Jinja town.
On Wednesday, James Waluswaka, Bunyole West County MP alleged that that during the selection process of contractors, the Public Procurement and Disposable of Public Assets guidelines were not followed and worst of all when the project kicked off, contractor started using substandard material on roads.
The development comes hot on the heels of media reports alleging that the contractor abandoned work in Jinja Municipality due to non-payment yet the project is fully funded by the World Bank.
In response, Chris Baryomunsi, Minister of State for Lands, Housing and Urban Development (Housing), confirmed the allegations but reiterated that government had taken all the necessary steps to address the situation.
“It is true there have been some delays in relaying money to the contractor because there was a complaint raised by some engineers in Jinja Municipality contesting the quality of the materials which were used on two roads,” He said
Adding, “We commissioned studies on the said materials using two private laboratories and the test results confirm that the materials used were genuine and up to standard.”
The minister further revealed that the money meant for the project is with Jinja Municipal Council and that recently government ordered them to pay the contractor so that they can resume with work.
Meanwhile, the contract, which was to initially end on November 16 has been extended to December this year.
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