According to a statement issued yesterday, Roko Construction Ltd. is nearing the completion of works on the Ministry of Finance building and will soon hand it over to the client.
The company also addressed the delays affecting other ongoing projects, particularly the parliamentary chambers.
In response to recent reports, Roko provided clarification:
“Roko has substantially completed the Ministry of Finance office building, which is almost ready for handover, contrary to reports that suggested otherwise,” the statement read.
Full Statement:
Clarification on Misrepresentations by NBS Television Regarding Roko Construction Ltd – 21st October 2024
Roko Construction Ltd would like to address certain inaccuracies aired by NBS Television on 21st October 2024 concerning our operations. These reports contained misrepresentations that we find necessary to clarify for the benefit of the public.
One such report falsely stated that the Government of Uganda had injected UGX 500 billion into Roko Construction. In truth, the government purchased redeemable preference shares, and all related processes were handled appropriately.
We are pleased to provide updates on the following projects:
- Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MOFPED):
We have substantially completed this project and are in the final stages, preparing for the handover. - Uganda Hotel and Tourism Training Institute (UHTTI):
This project is fully completed and is now in the Defects Liability Period. - Inspectorate of Government (IG):
Roko is not involved in this project; it is being handled by another contractor. - Lubowa Specialized Hospital:
Contrary to reports, Roko is not the contractor for this project. - Parliament of Uganda:
The contract for this project was signed on 30th June 2017 and has been ongoing for seven years. Unfortunately, several factors beyond our control have contributed to delays:- Increase in chamber capacity: The parliamentary chamber was expanded from 400 to 600 seats.
- Relocation of main waterline: This was necessitated by the chamber expansion.
- Parliament land alignment: The process required approvals from Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA).
- COVID-19 pandemic: Like many sectors, the construction industry faced significant disruptions due to the pandemic.
- Bomb-resistant redesign: Following the tragic bombings on Parliamentary Avenue on 16th November 2021, the Members of Parliament requested that the building be redesigned to be bomb-resistant. This required major structural and design changes, as well as adjustments to procurement and supply chains.
These changes necessitated new negotiations, approvals from relevant government bodies, and adjustments to the procurement process.
Many specialized materials required for the project are being sourced internationally, including structural steel from Dubai, blast-resistant glass from Belgium, and additional supplies from the United Kingdom and China.
Roko Construction Ltd is fully committed to delivering high-quality projects for its clients and the public.
We are dedicated to transparency, integrity, and excellence, and we appreciate the trust placed in us by the Government of Uganda and other stakeholders.
We will continue working diligently to uphold these standards.
