The State Minister for Economic Monitoring, Beatrice Akello, has instructed the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU) to look into the district engineering department of Sironko.
This follows an inspection of local roads, where it was discovered that six roads, which were supposed to be constructed during the 2023-2024 financial year, have not been started despite the government allocating shs1 billion in funds, with 50% of last year’s budget remaining unspent.
The Minister highlighted that all the roads are in a dire condition and have been neglected, even as “we enter the second quarter of the year”.
She dismissed claims from the district engineer that heavy rains over the past year have hindered construction efforts.
Akello toured the incomplete micro irrigation scheme in Mutufu town council and examined the Buhugu milk cooler, which has been non-operational for an extended period.
She criticized the project designers for failing to consult the community, which is now requesting for a maize meal due to a lack of cows to supply the milk cooler.
She also visited the Buweri administrative house, which has been stuck at the foundation stage for over three years, with a budget of 17 million.
The State Anti-Corruption Unit has been instructed to look into all incomplete projects.
It was disclosed that information has surfaced regarding Wendi agents allegedly colluding with SACO leaders to extort bribes from beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model and Emyooga. They minister said they must be held accountable.
Andrew Wasukira, the district engineer, noted that the ongoing heavy rains, persisting for over a year, have hindered road works.
Meanwhile, Dennis Ephraim Balwanireghe, the Resident District Commissioner, criticized civil servants for the poor conditions in the district, asserting that despite significant government funding, many projects, particularly roads, remain impassable, a situation he attributes to the district engineering department’s shortcomings.
Herbert Musika, a councilor from Nalusla sub-county, pointed out that numerous roads are in dire condition, and much of the government investments have been squandered, with many civil servants lacking the motivation to perform their duties.
