Owalo Calls for Accountability as He Inspects Ongoing Government Projects in Migori
Owalo toured the Ngege-Mapera-Rabuor and Kawa-Osingo-Nyaduong roads in Suna East, currently at 11 percent completion, among other sites.
Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Government Performance and Delivery Management, Mr. Eliud Owalo . Photo/Courtesy.
By Ruth Sang
Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Government Performance and Delivery Management, Mr. Eliud Owalo has called on contractors undertaking state-funded projects to commit only to assignments they can complete on time and to the required standards. Speaking during an inspection tour of some development projects in Migori County, Owalo underscored that quality work and timely delivery are vital in ensuring that public resources are put into effective use and citizens reap full benefit from government investments.
“My advice to contractors is that you take up projects you can complete on time, delivering quality work that the public can find joy in utilizing to improve their socio-economic progress,” he said, stressing that every project must reach its logical conclusion within agreed timelines.
Owalo toured the Ngege-Mapera-Rabuor and Kawa-Osingo-Nyaduong roads in Suna East, currently at 11 percent completion, among other sites. He also inspected works at the Kegonga Level 4 Hospital in Kuria East, which is at 35 percent completion, and Migori Stadium, that is said to be 40 percent complete. His tour was meant to assess the rate of implementation and find out what was stalling the projects.
He added that GDU focuses on results rather than processes, whether the contractor has the technical expertise and capacity to deliver on the task given to them. Owalo said many of the stalled or slow projects were due to contractors overextending themselves with multiple contracts or lack of technical capability to deliver.
The Deputy Chief of Staff appealed to contractors to be realistic with their capabilities and ensure transparency in communication with relevant government agencies whenever challenges arise. He explained that early reporting of delays allows for timely intervention and prevents unnecessary project stagnation.
Owalo warned that contractors who fail to meet agreed targets without valid reasons risk being barred or blacklisted from future government tenders. He insisted that accountability remains a cornerstone of public service delivery and non-performing contractors will not be allowed to derail the government’s development agenda.
He also warned politicians not to interfere with the work of implementing agencies. He stated that the mandate of the GDU is to oversee and ensure the smooth progression and completion of projects within stipulated timelines, without political interference. Owalo’s visit serves to reassure of the government’s drive to fast-track infrastructural developments and ensure value for money spent by the taxpayer.
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