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Geses Uganda Limited Urged to Accelerate Soroti Regional Blood Bank Construction
Geses Uganda Limited has been called upon to hasten the construction of the Soroti Regional Blood Bank. The company has been entrusted with completing both the Blood Bank block and the accompanying staff house after the project faced delays. The construction of the Blood Bank began on June 26, while the staff house commenced on March 19, 2024.
During a site meeting held on September 26, 2024, James Small Chemutai, the Deputy Resident City Commissioner for Soroti City West Division, expressed his concerns about the slow progress of the project. “You initially began with impressive speed, but it seems the momentum has decreased,” Chemutai noted.
“If manpower is a constraint, I urge you to bolster your efforts to ensure the work is completed as swiftly as possible.” He indicated that he would return in two weeks for a follow-up inspection alongside his team.
Dr. Benedicto Watmon, the contractor overseeing the project, echoed the urgency of the situation, stating that completion should be targeted for November 2024. Peter Kurunungi, the Director of Geses Uganda Limited, reported that the Blood Bank construction is currently at 70% completion, while the staff house stands at 75%. He pointed out challenges such as a shortage of building materials in Soroti, power fluctuations, and limited local labor as significant obstacles affecting progress. Kurunungi pledged to finish the remaining work by November or December 2024.
Originally, the Blood Bank project was awarded to a different contractor in 2021, but due to significant delays, the contract was terminated in 2023. Geses Uganda Limited then took over the project for 600 million for the Blood Bank and 1.8 billion for the staff house, with the latter starting in March 2024.
In a related matter, a site meeting for the Soroti Regional Referral Hospital administrative block was conducted before the team proceeded to the Blood Bank site. The administrative block is reported to be 78% complete, with the Uganda People’s Defense Forces Engineering Brigade handling the construction.
Frank Tumimbise, Speaker of Soroti City Council and representative of Mayor Joshua Edogu, emphasized the importance of incorporating ramps into all city construction projects to improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
The meeting also included Dr. Benzi Watmond, Principal Hospital Administrator for Soroti Regional, along with other leaders who encouraged both contractors to expedite their efforts to enhance health service delivery in the region.
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