Construction of the Kakapel Community Cultural Centre has resumed after stalling for more than 10 years.
The project, which commenced in 2015, stalled after the previous contractor abandoned the site, resulting in termination of the contract.
The contractor had completed the foundation, walls and installed roof beams before leaving the site.
Busia Deputy Governor Arthur Odera on Tuesday handed over the site to facilitate the resumption of construction works, which will be undertaken through a partnership between the county government, Mombasa Cement and Tororo Cement.
During the handover ceremony, Odera directed those undertaking the works to expedite construction and ensure the facility is completed before October 31, in readiness for the upcoming celebrations.
He said President William Ruto and his Ugandan counterpart Yoweri Museveni are expected to grace the fourth anniversary celebrations of the coronation of Papa Emorimor Paul Sande Emolot (Etomeileng III), the paramount cultural leader and king of the Iteso community.
Odera said efforts were being made to complete the facility in time for the celebrations, during which the two presidents are expected to officially launch the cultural centre.
The celebrations are expected to bring together about 80 traditional rulers from different parts of the world, including the Zulu King of South Africa.
Odera said completion of the Kakapel Community Cultural Centre would enhance the Kakapel Monument and provide a venue for conferences and hosting visitors touring the cultural site.
Area Member of County Assembly (MCA) for Ang’urai South Ward Joseph Eseme welcomed the resumption of construction works, urging those undertaking the project to involve local residents and source labor locally, except in areas requiring specialised technical expertise.
Eseme said the contractor had already inspected the building and delivered construction materials, with construction works expected to commence shortly.
Teso North Sub-County Administrator Silas Juma said the Sub-County Works Officer and public health officials would inspect the project to ensure that construction is undertaken in accordance with government-approved standards.
The Tororo Cement site supervisor, Patrick Onyango Asiri, urged local residents to cooperate with the contractor to ensure the project is completed within the set deadline.
by Moses Wekesa
