Kapchorwa district leadership has officially handed over a construction site to Sebei Agency for the commencement of the second phase of the administration block. The UGX 300 million project is expected to be completed within 90 days.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Deputy Resident District Commissioner (DRDC) Martin Sakajja appreciated the government for allocating UGX 300 million to the administration block, particularly considering that the project had stalled for nearly a decade.
“I want to first appreciate the government for considering Kapchorwa with UGX 300 million for this administration block, especially given that this project has been at a standstill for almost ten years,” he said.
He emphasized the need for value for money, calling on both the contractor and the district engineering team, who are supervising the project, to ensure quality work. He also urged stakeholders to actively monitor the construction process to guarantee proper execution.
“There must be joined monitoring and vigilance during the construction process. The contractor and project supervisors must ensure that every shilling is accounted for,” he stressed.
Sakajja further highlighted the importance of completing the project within the stipulated three-month timeframe, warning that delays could result in complications, including contract extensions or the risk of unspent funds being returned to the central government by the end of the financial year.
He concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to delivering quality services to the people of Kapchorwa, emphasizing that projects like this are part of its broader social contract with the community.
Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Komakech Charles also expressed his satisfaction with the project’s revival, stating, “I think I’m happy that finally we’re handing over this site to the contractor, Sebei Overall. This administration block faced many challenges due to funding shortages, but we are fortunate that in this financial year, UGX 300 million was allocated by the Ministry of Finance to continue this work.”
He urged the contractor to deliver quality work despite the limited budget, emphasizing the importance of a strong foundation since the building will be storied.
“This is going to be a storied building, meaning the ground floor and foundation should be strong enough to support the structure. I also urge everyone to take responsibility for supervising this project. Every morning when coming to the office or during lunch breaks, pass by and check on the progress. It is our permanent home, and we must ensure it is built to high standards,” Mr. Komakech added.
District Chairperson Hon. Chebet Evelyn Kubarika echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that this phase of construction is a significant step forward compared to previous efforts.
“We are handing over the site to the contractor for at least a bigger amount of work to be done, not like we have always been doing it. Just like the CAO has put it, this building has stalled here for so long because of lack of funding. In the past two financial years, we tried to do some work on the ground, but we could not go far. So, I want to take this opportunity to thank the Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Finance for allocating the UGX 300 million that has made this handover possible today,” she said.
Hon. Kubarika also reaffirmed trust in Sebei Overall but warned against complacency in maintaining construction standards.
“Sebei Overall has been known for quality work, but we can’t take it for granted because you never know—a person might reach somewhere and begin compromising the standards. But I request Sebei Overall to maintain the quality work they have always delivered because this is a storied building, and, as the CAO mentioned, the ground floor must be strong enough to accommodate the weight of the upper floors. This is a collective effort, and we must all be concerned with ensuring that resources are utilized efficiently,” she emphasized.
She further urged the engineering department to expedite the rectification of errors in the Bills of Quantities (BOQs) so that construction can proceed without unnecessary delays.
“The contractor can begin work on the sections without issues while the BOQs are being rectified. We cannot hold back any longer. We expect this project to be completed by April 7, before the rainy season, so that we can move on to other priorities,” Hon. Kubarika added.
She concluded by highlighting the district’s long-term vision for the administration block.
“We may not commission the entire building now since it won’t be complete, but we will continue lobbying for more funds so that by the next financial year, we can at least commission the first floor for use,” she stated.
With construction set to begin immediately, this project marks a major milestone in enhancing Kapchorwa’s administrative infrastructure.
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