Market chokes on filth due to wrangles

By Frederick Kiwanuka

Garbage has eaten up part of Bweyale central market in Kiryandongo district, due to management wrangles, between two contractors.

The two contractors were erroneously awarded the same revenue collection tender.

The district administration awarded the tender to Hellen Camkak, whom they say, was the best bidder. But, Bweyale town council authorities refused to recognize Camkak and instead retained the former contractor; Moreen Kabagambe.

The move has created chaos in the market, which has over 500 stalls.

According to an investigative report by the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA), the town council authority refused to receive payment from the new contractor, Helen Camkak, and to give her receipt books, forcing her to use exercise books.

In a bid to sabotage Camkak, Bweyale town council has refused to collect garbage in the market which has accumulated over two months.

The garbage which has eaten up about a quarter of the market, gives off a filthy stench.

The PPDA report says despite their knowledge that Kabagambe’s contract had expired, the town council authorities went ahead to receive partial payment from her.

Signed by the PPDA executive director, Cornelia Sabiiti, the report blames Bweyale town council for causing a loss of revenue by rejecting payment from the new contractor, Camkak, yet she is collecting revenue from the market.

“The collection of revenue by the new service providers without payment to the revenue centre has caused loss of revenue to the town council,” the report reads in part.

In their recommendation, the PPDA urges the Bweyale town clerk to recognise the new contractor. “PPDA recommends that the Bweyale town clerk should ensure implementation of the contract for revenue collection by the new contractor,” states the report.