KAMPALA- The Rukungiri Municipality Legislator Hon. Dr. Elisa Rutahigwa has asked the Inspector General of Government (IGG) to take interest to investigate and conduct an inquiry into the Ugx. 55 billion Kahengye water project in Rukungiri District.
The project co-funded by the Government of Uganda and the World Bank was expected to benefit 120,000 people in Rukungiri municipality and some parts of Ntungamo district upon its completion.
Rutahigwa presented the issue on floor of Parliament where he asked the Deputy speaker of parliament to put to task the ministry of water and Environment to explain why they handed over an incomplete project to National Water and Sewerage Corporation, hence becoming a hoax project that has failed to serve its intended purpose.
It should be remembered that the contract was undertaken by an Indian firm, TECHNOFAB Engineering services. In 2019, the contractor abandoned the site with only 65% of the work done at the source including installation of a water pump, reservoir and other infrastructure at Kahengye stream, an action that sparked an early frustration.
In February 2020, a contract was then awarded to another company, Vidas and Vambeco Engineering companies to complete the project that had stalled for some time before it was partially commissioned on November 23rd, 2022 by the ministry of water and environment and handed over to National water and sewerage corporation (NWSC).
However, the final contractor was put under probation for a period of 12 months as National water team assess the quality of the material that was used during the early stages of the project.
At the time of commissioning, the total cost had shoot up to 55 billion shillings with some work still unfinished.
According to Hon. Rutahigwa, they expected the water project to increase water coverage in the area but all in vain hence a needs for a serious investigation by the IGG. The legislator is concerned that even areas that were supplied with water from this project get it in small quantity compared to what authorities and community expected.
Dr. Rutahigwa added that people’s expectations have been lowered by the fact that five years later, the project hasn’t helped them.
Cue in………..Rutahigwa on Kahengye
The Deputy Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa asked the ministry of water and sanitation to come and explain the issue of Kahegye project because it has been in news several times.
Tayebwa added that months ago, during the Kigezi Presidential PDM tour, the same concern was presented to the president on how the Multi-billion project had stalled and failed to serve the intended purpose.
Cue in……………..Tayebwa on Kahengye
