By Eumu Emmanuel
Kapelebyong: The Ministry of Water and Environment has urged local government authorities to hold contractors accountable for failing to complete planned projects. This call was made by Simon Peter Omalinga, a senior sociologist from the ministry, during a Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) coordination meeting held last week at the Kapelebyong District Council Hall.
Omalinga emphasized that delays and failures by contractors cause financial losses and negatively impact local communities. His comments followed the report of UGX 75 million being returned to the consolidated fund. This money, meant for constructing three boreholes in Kapelebyong for the financial year 2023/2024, was returned after the contractor, Mama Boreholes Africa Ltd, repeatedly drilled dry wells.
Omalinga suggested that the contractor might have used outdated or inaccurate geological equipment. He stressed the importance of accurate assessments and modern technology to avoid such failures.
Isaac Odima, the District Water Officer for Kapelebyong, stated that the district awarded the contracts on time, and the failure was entirely the contractor’s responsibility. “I recommended competent geologists to the contractor, but my advice was ignored,” Odima said. He added that returning the funds to the consolidated fund was a disservice to the community, which is in dire need of improved WASH services.
Odima also acknowledged the efforts of political leaders in advocating for better services. He noted that the Ministry of Water and Environment sends rural water grants to districts for WASH activities, with Kapelebyong District receiving UGX 264 million for such projects.
The meeting highlighted the need for better accountability and the use of up-to-date technology to ensure successful execution of WASH projects, ultimately benefiting local communities.