REVIEW: Government Entities Steadily Implementing CoST Uganda Chapter Recommendations

By PATRICK JARAMOGI

KAMPALA, Uganda-SHIFTMEDIA-There are growing levels of transparency and readiness by Government entities to disclose data and to address recommendations made by CoST Uganda Chapter.

Since the launch of the 4th Assurance report that detected a series of issues such as cost over runs in public infrastructural projects, there is ray of hope regarding recommendations.

The CoST Uganda Chapter 4th Assurance process noted that Parliament had cost over runs of 15%, Busia border post at 16% and Katuna post at 25% and Elegu border at 30 that was attributed to variations in scope of work.

Cost Uganda recommended that variations to the projects be made faster so as to avoid excessive delays and costs to the project.
Also recommended for change of the 23 assured projects assessed, was the call for Ministry of Works to provide guidance for a sufficient period for design review.
While another entity, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) disclosed 100% regarding project planning, a standard disclosure template was found lacking.
The report recommended that KCCA develops a standard disclosure template for infrastructure data, and sets up a data retrieval and achieving system.
Other entities reviewed included Uganda National Roads Authority, (UNRA) Ministry of Water and Environment, Ministry of Health, Wakiso District Local Government, PPDA and Ministry of Finance and Economic Development among others.

As a practice, CoST Uganda always does periodic reviews regarding whether what they recommended is being implemented.

On Thursday, it held a webinar to review these recommendations that were made a year ago and during the Covid 19 pandemic.
Gilbert Sendugwa the Senior Regional Manager Africa CoST International told the webinar session that he expects commitment from stakeholders regarding an action plan to streamline the laid down recommendations.

“Having launched the Assurance report in February, followed by submission of findings and recommendations, as part of our culture, we keep in close contact with entities to take stock of the improvements, gaps, and challenges in implementing recommendations. We also pick lessons and receive feedback on how to effectively contribute to the national development plan,” said Sendugwa.
The participants who included officials from KCCA, PPDA, Uganda National Roads Authority and Ministry of Education and Sports committed to ensure that what was recommended in the 4 Assurance Report is implemented.