Kitgum Central Division in Kitgum municipality has set aside shs55 million to begin the second phase of building new administration blocks this fiscal year.
The division began the first phase of construction of its administration block at the former National Water and Sewerage Corporation site in the fiscal year 2022/2023, at a cost of shs93 million.
Toolit Godfrey, Chairperson of Kitgum Central Division, assured the community on Monday at the division headquarters that the additional blocks’ roofing would be completed.
He emphasized their commitment to creating a safe and comfortable environment for all division leaders.
Toolit stated that, according to this year’s work plan, they intend to roof the additional blocks. The project has been submitted to the municipality’s procurement committee and awarded to the competent “Dek Bedo Company Limited.”
This week, the necessary documents will be returned to the technical team (Town Clerk), who will sign them before submitting them for final approval.
Toolit added that the first phase of the project has been completed, with two more phases remaining, including roofing. The chairperson, senior assistant town clerk, and treasurer will all work out of the new office.
tndNews understands that the central division council has budgeted over shs280 million for the completion of the construction, including shs55 million specifically for roofing in the second phase of the project.
“An additional amount may be allocated if sufficient funds become available, as there is a need for a modern roofing solution,” Toolit revealed.
Office space shortage crisis
Currently, Kitgum central division council is grappling with a lack of adequate office space for both political leadership and technical departments. The recent recruitment of over 20 technical officers has overstretched the already limited office space.
Toolit noted that many newly recruited staff and some senior staff have been forced to share office facilities, which is negatively affecting efficient service delivery. This issue requires urgent attention to ensure productive work from the technical staff.
Some of the affected technical offices include the senior town clerk’s office, which is being shared by the assistant town clerk, treasurer/accounting officer; town agent, community development officer, and secretaries.
The political wing, where offices for the speaker, deputy speaker, clerk to council; secretary for finance, and secretary for general purpose all lack dedicated office space.
“The current Kitgum Central Council headquarters building was designed to accommodate four staff members but now serves over 20 technocrats,” Toolit revealed.
One of the newly recruited staff members, speaking anonymously for fear of reprisal, stated that they have been forced to share office space, while some prefer to work outside in the compound.
This situation is not only inconvenient but also compromises office privacy and efficiency. The source called for the town clerk’s office to explore solutions such as renting external office space.
Division speaker Emmanuel Oryema reiterated that, besides the limited office space for technocrats and political leaders, the council hall has also become a challenge, as the division often rents space for council meetings, leading to unnecessary expenditure.
Kitgum central division town clerk Kidega John Bosco Chalo acknowledged these challenges, but stated that efforts to address the acute office space shortage are hampered by funding constraints.
However, the division council has set aside shs55 million this fiscal year to help staff overcome the challenge of finding office space.
By Vincent Kaguta
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