Contractor given 90 days

The state minister for local government, Jenipher Namuyangu, has given the contractor for Mbarara Central Market up to January to complete and hand it over.

The minister was unhappy with the delay of the works which are being undertaken by Roko Construction.

The deadline was February this year.

According to a letter dated October 29, 2020, signed by Ben Kumumanya, the permanent secretary of the local government ministry, the contractor has been given a re-extension of three months.

The market project, which is funded by the African Development Bank and the Government at sh24b, is one of the 12 markets being constructed across the country. Namuyangu warned that no more extension will be granted beyond January.

Mbarara city mayor Robert Kakyebezi said this is the fourth extension since the construction was launched in February 2018. Namuyangu, who was accompanied by leaders of Mbarara city and the local government ministry staff, visited the site on Friday.

"This extension is the last and to liberate yourself, complete the work before that time," Namuyangu said.

The market vendors chairperson, Muhammad Nyombi, said the location where they are working temporarily is in a sorry state.

"The President was here to launch the construction of this market. I am disappointed that you have not managed the time well," Namuyangu said.

She noted that out of the 12 markets that were under construction, more than six are complete and that the President will commission them soon. She said the President has already handed over the Arua market.

Mbarara Resident District Commissioner Lt Col James Mwesigye asked the vendors to be patient.