Parliament presses works ministry over delayed construction of over 30 bridges

Parliament has demanded answers from the Ministry of Works and Transport over delays in the construction of more than 30 bridges on national roads, raising concerns about the slow implementation of government commitments.

The Committee on Government Assurances and Implementation is seeking an explanation from the ministry on why the bridge projects have not been completed as promised and when the outstanding works will be delivered.

Deputy Chairperson of the committee, Hon. Anna Adeke Ebaju, the FDC Soroti District Woman Representative, said legislators want the ministry to provide clear timelines for implementing the commitments.

“We want to understand what stalled these projects and when the ministry expects to deliver on the commitments,” Adeke said.

The committee is scrutinising government assurances made to Parliament and is assessing the extent to which ministries, departments and agencies have fulfilled commitments made to citizens through government programmes.

The delayed bridge projects have attracted particular attention because of their importance to road connectivity, movement of people and goods, access to markets and delivery of essential services.

MPs question COVID-19 explanation

The committee also questioned the ministry’s explanation for delays recorded during the 2021/2022 Financial Year, when COVID-19 restrictions were cited as one of the factors affecting implementation.

Hon. Robert Ssewagudde, the parliamentary representative for Persons with Disabilities, challenged the explanation, arguing that essential workers and critical services were permitted to operate under established procedures during the restrictions.

Ssewagudde questioned why bridge construction projects could not similarly have been maintained where they were considered essential, particularly given their importance to communities that depend on national roads.

The committee’s concerns come amid continued demands for government agencies to account for commitments made to Parliament and ensure that approved infrastructure projects translate into tangible services for citizens.

Members are expected to seek further details from the Ministry of Works and Transport on the status of each of the delayed bridges, the reasons for the delays, funds allocated and revised completion timelines.

The scrutiny is also intended to establish whether the delays were caused by funding constraints, procurement challenges, contractual issues, technical difficulties or other administrative factors.

The committee has emphasised the need for ministries to honour assurances made to Parliament and provide timely updates whenever implementation is affected by unforeseen circumstances.