The Minister of Works and Transport Hon. Fred Byamukama has raised concerns over the performance of some Chinese companies contracted by the Government of Uganda to implement road construction projects saying their poor performance has caused delays in the delivery of key infrastructure projects.
This was during a courtesy meeting the Minister held with the Chinese Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Wu Guangrong, at the Ministry headquarters.
Hon. Byamukama acknowledged that Uganda is a beneficiary of the expertise from the many Chinese contractors that have implemented infrastructure projects in the country.
He however, noted that of recent, there are some struggling Chinese contractors facing implementation challenges, performance particularly financial constraints and cash-flow difficulties. He implored the Chinese Ambassador to interest himself in the cases of these companies and address the challenges.
“I wouldn’t wish to see any Chinese contract terminated address the challenges and expedite the completion of the delayed projects,” said Byamukama.
The Minister singled out Chongqing International Construction Corporation (CICO) which is struggling to complete the 21 kilometer Kyaliwajjala – Kira – Matugga road despite having received some of the payment.
The same company has registered slow progress in the construction of the 89.5 kilometer Masaka–Kyotera–Mutukula Road project.
Ambassador Wu said the Embassy understood the Ministry’s concerns and had urged the company to take appropriate action to address the challenges.
“The company informed me that it is making every effort to secure the necessary funding and remains hopeful that its financial difficulties can be resolved,” H.E. Wu said.
The Ambassador reiterated the confidence of Chinese enterprises in Uganda’s development prospects and their commitment to long-term investment in the country.
