Contractor fails to deliver project

THE Oro government has ordered a full investigation into the management of a European Union-funded project, the Popondetta Skill Training Institute (PSTI).
The project (value undisclosed) is part of the tertiary institutions rehabilitation programme through the National Planning Department.
Northern Governor Gary Juffa, who expressed his dissatisfaction at the handling and apparent mismanagement of the project, ordered an investigation to be carried out by the provincial administration into the processes involved in engaging a non-reputable and unqualified contractor, which had resulted in the incomplete construction of the institute.
Juffa said the project was initiated by the PSTI through a working committee with the assistance of the technical division of the Oro administration. He said Oro was one of nine provinces qualified to receive funding for the project, adding the successful completion of the project would have seen PSTI on its way to being the first technical college in the province.
Included in the scope of the project were two ablution blocks, teachers’ houses, workshops, dormitories and six classrooms.
Juffa said the abuse of powers and mismanagement had seen the project awarded to a firm (not named) belonging to a Highlander who was a resident of Popondetta.
He said the contractor had no experience in construction and had a record of unscrupulous dealings in the province, adding that the construction site had been abandoned.
The contractor was also allowed to reside within the school premises in one of the teacher’s houses.
Juffa was alerted by concerned members of the PSTI working committee and was angered that the project was not completed.
The governor promised to find out the cause of the incomplete project.
“I have tasked the Oro administration to investigate thoroughly and furnish me with details indicating who was responsible and what needs to be done,” he said.