By Ahmad Makula
Delayed release of funds has frustrated completion of the multi-billion Child and Maternity Complex at Masaka Regional Referral Hospital.
Construction of the 400-bed Child and Maternity Complex started in 2015 and was expected to be completed in 2017 at a tune of Shs10.6 billion.
However, the delays by two successive Covid-19 induced lockdowns and changes in the designs to include ICU have since pushed the cost to Shs12.2 billion.
Dr Gonzaga Ssenyondo, the head of the maternity ward at Masaka Regional Referral Hospital the construction works stand at 93 percent and the government has promised the final release of Shillings 2.2 billion to complete the project.
The facility will have two state-of-the-art theatres, a gynecology unit, antenatal and neonatal centres, labour and post-natal wards. It will also have a pediatric and nutrition and adolescent health units, all fully equipped with modern equipment.
Last week, the State Minister for Economic monitoring Beatrice Akello together with Vincent Tumusiime the head of the Directorate of Economic Affair and Research in state House and other team from Anti –Corruption Unit applauded the contractor promising quick release of the remaining funds so that he hands over the project early next year.
“Some of the explanations from officials are valid, like change in structure designs to include the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) which is very important and then Covid-19 effects but that cannot explain an eight-year delay in a project,” Minister Akello noted.
The Contractor, Tirupati Development Uganda Limited is committed to provide well designed projects and property services to both residential and commercial proprietors besides preserving the environment.
The Company Managing Director, Miraj Barot says the company comprises of qualified local and international staff and associates who have built up a local knowledge and understanding of the country to create a more efficient property market for the long term benefit of the community.
Tirupati Development Uganda limited its located in Kamwokya Kampala Uganda it was established in 2006 to undertake civil construction and real estate development Business. The Company derives the name from its mother company TIRUPATI SARJAN INDIA.
The company so far completed and delivered over 2000 projects in India consisting of residential estates, commercial, shopping complexes, recreational parks and educational facilities valued at $billion. All projects are spread across Europe, Asia and currently Africa in particular Uganda where a number of projects are under development.