Kitgum Main Market is yet to be completed, despite the completion deadline being extended four times.
Construction of the 23.8 billion shillings market under the Markets and Agriculture Trade Improvements Project (MATIP-2) started in June 2019 and was scheduled for completion by July 2021. However, the contract was extended to November 30, 2021.
The China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) Limited, was granted another extension of January 30, 2022, then March 30, 2022, and the fourth deadline was July 31st, 2022.
During a tour of the market by district leaders on Thursday, it was realised that some components of the market were yet to be completed.
One of the workers of CSCEC, who identified himself only as Lee, said they lack funds to buy the transformer, solar system, and pavers and do not know when the funds will be available.
LCV Chairperson Kitgum, Christopher Obol Arwai, estimates that only 5% of the work remains.
Arwai said the task now remains with the district leaders to follow up with the consultant in the construction of the market to know when the materials required for the incomplete portion of the market will be brought.
William Komakech, the RDC of Kitgum, promised to follow the matter with the Ministry of Local Government to ensure that the completion of the market is expedited.
Komakech appealed to the business community to embrace the project and optimally utilise the market when it is commissioned.
The market, whose construction is being funded by the African Development Bank, AfBD, is expected to accommodate more than 1500 vendors.
