Construction Of 500 Metric Tonne Capacity Multi Grain Precleaning, Processing And Storage Complex In Arua Municipality

Abstract

This research report is a presentation of the authors involvement and skill attained in project management of the design, build supply, test and commission of 500 metric tonne capacity multi grain precleaning, processing and storage complex contracted to China Huangpai Food and machineries Ltd in Arua Municipality, supervised by Joadah Consults Ltd. The Markets and Agricultural Trade Improvement Project (MATIP) was conceived by Ministry of Local Government (MoLG) based on the findings of a feasibility study commissioned by the Government of Uganda (GoU), in March 2008, to review and assess local markets infrastructure and functional status across the country. MATIP I enabled government to rebuild seven major modern markets in Kampala, Jinja, Mbale, Gulu, Lira, Hoima and Fortportal. MATIP II is therefore an extension of MATIP I and involves the construction of 11 additional markets. The second phase focuses on market place infrastructure, adding value and facilitating trade (including capacity building) The constructions are in Nine Municipalities of Arua, Entebbe (Kitoro), Masak, Mbarara, Mororto (Lopedru), Soroti, and Tororo on the one hand and Kasese, Busia, Kitgum and Lugazi on the other hand. The main objective of this study is to identify the major challenges on the project, the likely causes, and their effects on the overall performance of the project. Attached by the entity to the project manager’s team, the author worked closely with the supervising consultant M/s Joadah Consults Limited as the Programme Support Officer. The major challenges facing this project included among others lack of adequate construction space for material storage and working space, maneuverability to and from the site leading to delays, delays in specialized equipment mobilization most especially the mobile concrete mixer and delayed payments.

Despite the many challenges enumerated, the project management team was able to review the site layout plan by fast tracking sections that require urgent attention so as to minimize delays.