Arua district set to construct sh15b office block at Arivu

DEVELOPMENT|DISTRICT OFFICES

Arua district leaders have resolved to use funds meant for other projects to start construction of a council complex in Arivu sub-county to bring services closer to the people.

Boniface Alioni, the Arua district vice-chairperson, said on Wednesday that the district had drawn a sh15b budget for the construction of a three-storeyed council complex, but the leaders agreed to start with the ground floor.

They have reallocated sh1.4b to start construction of the ground floor for the office in Arivu.

"We shall reallocate money to kickstart the project," he said.

Alioni said the complex is expected to be completed within three years.

The creation of Arua city and Terego Districts left Vurra county as the only administrative unit under the residual Arua district.

The headquarters of Arua district - Vurra county - have remained in the centre of Arua city, making it hard for the people of Vurra county to access the offices given the long distance.

Arua district councillors and technical officers currently operate in Arua central division in Arua city.

The permanent secretary of the local government ministry, Benjamin Kumumanya, speaking during the inauguration of Arua city recently, said the residual Arua district will continue to operate in the existing district offices until the Government provides funds to construct new structures.

Lillian Paparu Obiale, the Woman MP aspirant for Arua district and former programme manager of Community Empowerment for Rural Development, has challenged area leaders to ensure that the district headquarters are made accessible to the people of Vurra.

According to Paparu, this will ease service delivery.

She also appealed to the leaders to ensure that the remaining assets of Arua district are well-protected.

Pontius Eriaku, a resident of Logiri sub-county, concurred.

Eriaku, who is a student of Islamic University in Uganda, Arua branch, said the current location of the headquarters in Arua city makes it difficult for Logiri residents, about 30km away, to access the offices.

The residual Arua district will continue to operate in the existing district until the Government provides funds to construct new structures.