Incomplete county assembly chambers cause jitters

Vihiga County Assembly building that has been under construction for over 2 years now. [PHOTO: ERIC LUNGAI]

Delay in construction of a building meant to house the county assembly has left members stranded as deadline for use of their current premises draws near.

Members, who had asked to use classrooms at Vihiga High School until end of March, 2015 awaiting construction of their chambers, face possible eviction from the school.

Construction of the county assembly chambers begun in 2013 and they are yet to be completed, with the contractor, Engineer George Muyera, accusing the county administration of lack of commitment and frequent delayed payments.

Speaking when Governor Moses Akaranga toured the premises to see its progress, Mr Muyera said his efforts have been frustrated by the county's supervising agents.

"I have had hiccups from day one and they are still there. I have contemplated handing over this building to the county assembly in its current state due to frustrations I have experienced in making sure it is completed," he said.

Construction of the Sh15.9 million assembly complex has stalled for a long time with Project Manager Dan Omutichi being largely blamed for the state of affairs.

He said for the three phases he had been paid for, it took the governor's and the county assembly's leadership intervention, adding that this has affected the project which was to take six months.

Assurance given

Speaking at the same forum, Omutichi gave his commitment to have the project completed on time.

"I will deliver this building in a month's time and will work with engineer Muyera to make sure this happens," he assured the governor.

Mr Akaranga ordered the engineer and the project manager to organise site meetings every Monday to ensure the building is ready within a month.

"I had hoped to open the building today and I am very disappointed. Those tasked with completing this project must do so," he said.