Authorities in Mukono Municipality have suspended construction works undertaken by Chinese company, China Communications Construction Company Limited(CCCC) over non-compliance to contract conditions.
In a March, 7 letter to the CCCC representative, Xiong Pailiang by Mukono town clerk, Francis Byabagambi, the decision followed a review of the contractor’s performance and repeated failure to adhere to agreed contractual obligations, including critical environmental and social safeguard measures.
“The extent of persistent failure to comply with safeguards requirements, coupled with non-responsiveness of your team on-site has caused growing concern. It has been observed that there is total disregard of your contractual obligations to safeguard your workers and the public,” Byabagambi said.
The Mukono town clerk said other issues include poor incident reporting and management, concealment of critical project related information, lack of adequate health and safety measures, failure to ensure proper welfare for workers, including lack of access to medical care and non compliance with grievance redress mechanisms.
Mukono Municipality said it had earlier on October 10, 2024, and January 10, 2025 issued warnings regarding non-compliance but no satisfactory action was taken by the Chinese contractor.
Accordingly, the suspension affects ongoing multiple road construction projects under the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Programme (GKMA-UDP), coordinated by the Ministry of Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs including the Anthony-Kame, Kame Annex, Albert Cook – Cathedral Rise, Kame-Nabuti-Katosi Road, Admin Link, Access Road, and Link Road.
The town clerk said CCCC is tasked to address these critical issues at their own cost by conducting a full inspection of project vehicles and equipment, establish e dedicated environment and safeguards team.
“The agreed actions also provide detailed steps for CCCC to improve health and safety measures including appointment of a safety team. The company must also provide proper grievance mechanisms for affected workers and implement adequate emergency response protocols.”
The town clerk said the suspension will only be lifted if CCCC provides a satisfactory response on the agreed actions to the joint team comprising the Mukono Municipal Council, supervising consultants and Ministry of Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs.
The shs2.1trillion Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Programme (GKMA-UDP) financed by the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank Group will see roads, drainage systems and markets, among others, upgraded in the nine districts and municipalities in the four greater Kampala districts of Mukono, Mpigi, Kampala and Wakiso .
