Commissioner warns Dot services over shoddy works

SOROTI – The Commissioner of Lands and Urban Development, Mr. Joseph Pade has cautioned Dot Services over shoddy works in Soroti city.

According to Joseph Pade, Dot Services has been reported to him over shoddy works but he is giving them an opportunity to improve on their damaged reputation.

While on his routine meeting with Dot Services at their site at Senior Quarters, Pade said he has been receiving calls questioning him, why they contracted Dot Services but he decided to pay a deaf ear to give room for improvements.

“I have hopes in Dot Services, even if their previous contracts had issues with team work,” Pade said.

The contractor (Dot Services) requested for an extension for the completion of their work because the pandemic has been a major hinderance but Pade said, they will only give them an extension after they have seen their work plans.

Pade said the issue of extensions has become a song, since they have previously had contracts extended and were not able to accomplish their assignment as promised.

He further emphasized planning for the roads and effective resource mobilization for future interventions to come.

“I will be here more often to make sure the work goes on well and help in further engagements,” added Pade.

Isaac Asaku, the Secretary Works, told theCooperator that Dot Services were contracted and assumed work by 23rd November 2020 and were expected to be done by Feb 23rd 2022 but he sees no prospects for them to get the work done as planned.

He says a lot could have been done by now but only 50% of the work has been done which leaves no chances for them to beat the deadline.

The three roads that are being worked on are Haridas road, School road and Edeigu road respectively which were valued at Shs.17 billions.

Dot Services when contacted didn’t oblige to the interview, saying their image with the media has been portrayed negatively.

However, during the meeting, they (Dot Services) were heard saying, they were faced with a lot of challenges during the time of the Covid-19 pandemic which affected the work progress.

Dot Services said, however much they tried to work along the timeline, they were only able to achieve 55% and yet the time progress has gone to 75%.

According to Dot Services, only breaking rocks to pave way took them four months that’s why Edeigu road is still at subgrade.

They also blamed the pandemic as some of their employees contracted the virus and one of them lost his life.

Meanwhile, Ms Juliet Ipagi, the Deputy Mayor appreciated the Ministry for the good work they are doing but also called upon them to work on other roads too.

She added that there are project’s that are pending which would need their interventions as a Ministry. She says, places like markets and the stadium should also be elevated.

https://thecooperator.news/minister-orders-contractor-to-correct-road-defect/

Buy your copy of theCooperator magazine from one of our countrywide vending points or an e-copy on emag.thecooperator.news