Written By | Jovita Hasto
Kitagwenda district officials supervise contruction progress at Kanara Seed School
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KITAGWENDA
Authorities in Kitagwenda District, led by Chief Administrative Officer Moses RK Dalili, have issued a 21-day ultimatum to the contractor of Kanara Seed School to complete the long-delayed project or risk termination of the contract.
The multi-billion shilling Kanara Seed School project was awarded to Skyworth Technology Services in Kanara Sub-county. The contract was signed on December 29, 2021, with construction expected to commence on January 30, 2023. The project includes classroom blocks, computer laboratories, and staff housing, at a cost of Shs 2.6 billion, and was scheduled for completion within 18 months.
Despite several engagements and extensions granted by the district, the project stalled, raising concern among leaders and stakeholders. This followed three extension requests after the expiry of the contract, with yet another extension pending, even though the project remains incomplete.
Earlier this month, the CAO directed the contractor to vacate the site due to failure to meet agreed timelines. The contractor sought court intervention to block the eviction, but the court declined to grant an injunction, citing the contractor’s failure to complete the project within the extended timelines, and instead directed that the matter be resolved through mediation.
“We had resolved that the contractor vacates the site of Kanara Seed School, but he decided to go to court. However, the court denied him an injunction based on the facts presented by the district,” Dalili said.
District authorities and stakeholders, together with the contractor, later held a harmonisation meeting at the project site to assess progress and determine the way forward. Findings from the monitoring and evaluation team indicated that the project had progressed from 78 percent to 96 percent completion.
“We noted significant progress, and the contractor has brought most of the remaining materials required to complete the works,” Dalili said.
He directed the contractor to utilise the 21 days to complete the remaining works or risk being replaced.
“I have given them three weeks to harmonise both the physical progress report with the district engineer and the financial report with the Chief Finance Officer. Within this time, they must complete the project,” he said.
Dalili also asked the contractor to withdraw the court case, arguing that litigation was delaying completion of the works.
“We expect to take over the site by April 15. If the contractor has not completed the remaining work, we shall have no option but to engage another contractor. He should also withdraw the case so that time is not wasted,” he added.
In response, the contractor, Ivan Ssewankambo, apologised for the delays and pledged to complete the project within the given timeframe.
“As advised, we shall withdraw the court case by the end of this week. We acknowledge the delay and commit to completing the remaining work within the stipulated period,” Ssewankambo said.
Authorities tour around Kanara Seed Secondary School in Kitagwenda district. The school construction project is being constructed under Skyworth Technology Services
He explained that seeking court intervention was intended to secure a second chance and protect the company’s reputation, rather than avoid responsibility.
“We could not abandon the site with incomplete work. This is a World Bank-funded project, and our company’s reputation is important,” he added.
Ssewankambo assured stakeholders that additional manpower and technical teams had been deployed to fast-track completion.
“Within these three weeks, we expect to finalise all remaining works,” he said.
Kitagwenda District Engineer, Francis Timanywa, called for a formal commitment from the contractor and raised safety concerns at the site.
“There are erosion gullies, overgrown grass, and safety risks such as snake bites and accidents. The site must be made safe for learners,” Timanywa said.
He also called for verification of materials on site to ensure they meet contractual specifications.
“We must verify all materials delivered to ensure compliance with contract requirements before valuation,” he added.
Meanwhile, Kitagwenda District Education Inspector, Gloria Kaswara, warned that delays in completing the project are affecting service delivery.
“Learners are studying in incomplete classrooms and missing out on practical lessons. This delay has negatively affected their performance,” she said.
District leaders have maintained that no further extensions will be granted after the 21-day deadline, emphasising the importance of the school in improving access to quality education in the area.
Torch Media Africa
