The District Chairperson Eng. Ian Kyeyune has directed contractors undertaking the construction of Wakiso Central Market and Kawuku Daily Market to accelerate works and address outstanding challenges to ensure timely completion of the projects.

Kyeyune issued the directive on Wednesday during a routine monitoring exercise of government facilities and projects across the district. He was accompanied by the Secretary for Works, Production and Technical Services, Hon. Mubiru Moses Balwana, and officials from the District Engineering Department led by Eng. Abdallah Aziz.

The Chairperson noted that the two markets are of wider national importance, having been initiated under a presidential programme that includes a skilling component aimed at equipping market users with practical skills to improve livelihoods and address unemployment.

At Wakiso Central Market, being constructed by Techno Three Uganda Ltd, Kyeyune commended the general progress of works but raised concern over the delayed removal of debris from the cleared site. He directed the District Engineering Department to support the contractor in resolving the challenge and tasked District Engineer Lillian Namutebi with providing regular progress updates to his office to ensure adherence to the 12-month construction schedule.

At Kawuku Daily Market, being constructed by Scaffold Engineering and Construction Ltd, Kyeyune commended the quality of work but expressed concern over the slow pace of implementation. He highlighted delays in constructing the toilet facility, concerns regarding the driveway, poor framing of the chain-link fence at the entrance, inadequate protection on door frames and the need to fix the firefighting system.

He urged the contractor to increase the pace of work, noting that works at Wakiso Central Market had advanced further despite both sites being handed over at the same time. He emphasised the need to complete the projects within the agreed timelines.

In response, Eng. Bagonza Elly, Project Supervisor for Kawuku Daily Market, committed to addressing the issues raised. He reported that construction of the vendor relocation site is at 95% completion, with 342 vendors expected to be relocated within two weeks to pave the way for construction of the main market.

Earlier in the monitoring exercise, Kyeyune inspected Wakiso Health Centre IV, where he identified challenges including staffing gaps, delays in the supply of medicines, poor drainage, dilapidated structures requiring renovation and inadequate space. He pledged to work with the relevant authorities to address the identified gaps.

Hon. Mubiru Moses Balwana said the District is committed to addressing emerging challenges and ensuring that the ongoing projects are delivered effectively. He noted that, once completed, the two markets will serve as important commercial hubs and contribute to strengthening local economic activity in the district