ROKO Construction Ltd is in the spotlight for allegedly doing substandard works and failure to execute works in the agreed time.
Tourism Minister Tom Butime has said that the government resolved to cancel ROKO Construction Ltd contract for the reconstruction of Shs11 billion hotel, Tourism centre in Jinja after it was discovered that failed to execute works in the agreed time and also failed to meet the agreed construction standards.
In 2018, Roko Construction Limited was contracted to reconstruct the Uganda Hotel Tourism and Training Institute (UHTTI) also known as the Crested Crane Hotel in Jinja.
The company was expected to hand over the complete project in 2019. But, to date, construction is still ongoing, yet there is no clear explanation for the delays.
According to Butime, although the outer structure is 80 percent complete, the plumbing works, electrical installations, and internal partitions are not yet complete, despite continuous contract extensions.
He said the government made a down payment of Shs7.2 billion to Roko for the works, but due to the delays, they are still holding Shs 3.8 billion which was meant to be paid to Roko officials on handing over the project after completion.
Butime disclosed the Ministry is now receiving bids from suitable contractors to complete the structure.
The Uganda Hotel and Tourism Training Institute (UHTTI) started in mid 1980’s after a feasibility study. The institute was established at Fairway Hotel in Kampala in 1989 as a pilot school.
