By KT Reporter
A section of community leaders in Bukakata Sub-County, Masaka District, has halted the construction of a classroom block at a government-aided primary school, citing alleged shoddy workmanship by the contractor.
Earlier this month, the Masaka District Local Government launched the reconstruction of two classroom blocks at St Luke Bukakata Primary School, a facility that had fallen into severe disrepair. The project, valued at 129 million Shillings, has since sparked controversy, with community leaders questioning the quality and transparency of the works.
Emmanuel Katongole, the LCI Chairperson of Bukakata A Village and a member of the School Management Committee, has raised concerns over what he describes as glaring irregularities likely to result in substandard construction.
Katongole, who has mobilised fellow community leaders to cordon off the construction site, says part of the classroom block is being erected on an old foundation that is visibly compromised by underground water seepage, a situation he warns could undermine the structural integrity of the building.
He further criticises the contractor for failing to display a project signpost detailing their identity, contract value, and scope of works, an omission he says raises serious questions about the contractor’s credibility and accountability. Katongole also expressed dismay that, despite the substantial funds allocated to the project, builders are reportedly using clay soil instead of cement to reinforce the walls.
As a result, he says the community has resolved to block any further construction until Masaka District authorities conduct a fresh inspection to establish whether the works offer value for money.
Williams Wasswa, the Defence Secretary for Bukakata Landing Site, echoed similar concerns, noting that the materials used on site do not reflect the project’s budget. Wasswa also faulted the contractor for failing to mount a noticeboard indicating their identity, saying this deprives local leaders of a clear point of contact in the event of poor workmanship.
He stressed that the school administration has long advocated for standard classroom blocks to accommodate learners, arguing that the community cannot accept substandard structures after years of waiting. According to local leaders, access routes to the construction site have since been blocked, while protest notices have been pasted on the school walls, instructing the contractor to halt all works pending a reassessment.
Meanwhile, the Masaka District Resident District Commissioner, Billy Janet Mulindwa, has directed the Officer in Charge of Bukakata Sub-County Police Station to secure the construction site and prevent any potential escalation of the standoff between the community and the contractor.
Mulindwa says her office has also instructed the Masaka Chief Administrative Officer to convene an emergency meeting involving all key stakeholders to review the concerns raised. “We have asked the district leadership to present all contract documents during our site inspection scheduled for Wednesday,” Mulindwa said.
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