The Auditor General’s report for FY 2020/2021 has revealed a slow progress in the implementation of the multi-million Kampala Flyover Project and the Kampala Northern Bypass Phase II.
Government commenced construction of the Kampala flyover and Kampala Northern bypass phase II projects on 4th May 2019 and 14th July 2014 respectively. However, by end of September 2020, the progress of physical works on Kampala flyover was estimated to be at 4.94% and the total contract time that had elapsed was 53.2%, according to the Auditor General’s report.
For Kampala Northern bypass project, the progress of physical works was estimated to be 77.4% and the construction that had been planned to take 3 years has so far taken 6 and half years, which is a time lapse of 217% and still on-going.
The Auditor General has attributed the slow progress to delayed access to site at various locations, delayed relocation of utilities obstructing the planned works, the addition and increased scope of works and quantities and limited equipment deployment in the early period of the projects.
“Delayed completion of works inconveniences surrounding business community and denies the intended beneficiaries timely use of the infrastructure and may result in escalation of project costs in terms of contractors’ claims,” the report reads.
The Auditor General has tasked Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) to ensure that the contractors are offered full access to the sites through timely compensation of the Project affected persons to avoid claims and notices to claim. Other remedies also include; ensuring that the contractors fully mobilize the required equipment at the start of the Projects to enable timely execution of Project works, ensure more detailed feasibility studies and design review before commencement of the Projects to enable a more comprehensive estimation of the scope of works.
The report also noted significant delays in the progress of works in three UNRA road projects that is Bulima-Kabwoya road project that was initially scheduled for 30 months, but after 52 months the project has achieved 97% completion. The Masaka-Bukakata road project had a 13.9% physical progress lag. A delay of over 44 days on Hima-Katunguru road project was noted.
The report also noted delays in completion of design reviews. Among the roads are; the Kyenjojo-Kabwoya project, the Akisim-Moroto road section, Masaka-Bukakata road project and Hima-Katunguru project.
