Twelve loans valued at Shs 1.3 trillion expired before disbursement to respective ministries and government entities for use, according to the Auditor General.
According to the Auditor General’s report for the year ended June 2020, the failure to utilise the borrowed money was due to low levels of loan absorption, which is affecting government projects and service delivery.
On the positive note, the good management of National Water and Sewerage corporation (NWSC) have shown zeal and resilience in identifying and resolving the bottlenecks that hinder absorption of loans such as delays in procuring contractors and transparent compensation of Project Affected persons, which saves taxpayers in payment of commitment fees.
While during the tour of the Katosi water project, members of the National Economy committee of Parliament headed by Hon.John Bosco Ikojo, were impressed by the standards and described it as a best example of best performance loans.
The €150m loan for Katosi water treatment plant in Mukono was financed by French Development Agency in 2019.The project has increased the water production by 160,000m3 per day,which has improved water supply to customers in Kampala metropolitan area.
I therefore request General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the President of Uganda, to recognize NWSC exemplary work in order to entice other agencies to improve in project implementation and hence increase service delivery to Ugandans.
Ben Ssebuguzi is certified Public Awareness fellow with Public Opinion international and Secretary General of Uganda poor youth movement.