UPDF Seeks Extra UGX 526M to finish Construction works at Rubaare HC IV.
NTUNGAMO: The UPDF Western region Engineering bridged Projects Manager Lt. Richard Isingoma has requested an extra fund release of Shs 526 Million to complete the construction of Rubare HC IV maternity ward.
Isingoma made the revelation during the site inspection meeting with Ntungamo district stakeholders on Tuesday this week at the site ground in Rubaare town council.
He confirmed to the stakeholders that they first received an initial sum of UGX 400 Million from the Ministry of health to work on three scopes, which include the sub structure, concrete flames and roofing at the facility which is a presidential Pledge.
However, Isingoma said that due to money constraints, they ended up diverting the money for roofing to cater for the external and internal walls to balance the building’s ground support, because the column to column distance was larger than they had anticipated.
“”We had to use funds released for roofing to construct inner and outside walls. This was the only choice because the column to column distance is too far and can’t allow the isolated beams without some supporting walls. If at all we couldn’t understand this, there would have occurred some surging so, the remaining balance will start on the roofing.” Said Richard Isingoma.
Isingoma added that Ntungamo district has gotten more release on two sites and in Rubaare the Ministry added UGX 300 Million to top up on the first release of UGX 400 Million to add up to UGX 700 Million and now the project costing approximately UGX 1.26 billions.
“Despite the Ministry of health releasing the addition of UGX 300 Million as a top up on the first release, we ask for an extra over UGX 500 Million to finish the structure.” Insigoma added.
He also underscored the challenges at the site like poor roads connecting to sites which lead them to offload the materials in far distance to the site, which also incur unexpected costs to transport materials thus delaying the work.
The Deputy Resident District Commissioner Mr Daniel Twakira commended the government for the initiatives in the health sector and further called for vigilant among the public over criminals that delay the project.
“This initiative will be commendable for a long way boosting health care in the district. So I want to encourage you to be vigilant in monitoring this project as soon heartless people are planning to tamper with the construction.” Said Daniel Twakira.
The Rubaare HC IV Chairman Management Committee Mr Fred Muhweezi re-echoed the sentiments of RDC that the initiative will boost the service delivery at the facility and hailed the government under stewardship of President Museveni for the keen interest in the health sector.
The project is contracted by the UPDF Engineering Brigade that ring fenced all government projects.
