Contractors have been called upon to resume work on the stalled education projects at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST).
The various projects had stalled at different stages due to financial constraints, but the government has now availed funds, and payments have already been made to contractors for the completion of the projects by the national government.
The Regional Development Implementation and Coordination Committee, led by the Government Delivery Unit, has embarked on a tour of the university campuses’ project sites to assess previously slowed projects and ensure contractors are back on site to continue work towards completion.
Nyanza Regional Director for Delivery in the Government Delivery Unit, Hon. Silvance Osele, toured the sites to verify that work is progressing, review the progress levels, and address any existing challenges.
“Work was scaled down due to financial challenges, but there was a promise that funds were being mobilized to accelerate progress toward completion. We are now at a stage where funds have been released, and several contractors have been paid. This committee is going around to verify that they are actually back on site,” Osele said.
The exercise also aims to assist the committee in preparations for the next budgeting cycle, ensuring proper prioritization and smooth implementation of projects while addressing any emerging challenges.
Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) has several ongoing projects, including an administration block, a library complex, and a blue economy research hub, which is 90% complete. The research hub is expected to be operational by the end of February 2025, with only the installation of fresh water and electricity remaining.
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“At the same institution, we have an administration block, a library, and a tuition block, all being accelerated within the broader plan of the national government to ensure steady funding flow for timely completion,” said Osele.
While speaking about the visit by the Government Delivery Unit officials, JOOUST Vice Chancellor Emily Akuno said that completing the library complex will significantly boost the institution’s image and open up academic space, allowing for an increase in student numbers and relieving pressure on the already limited space.
Vice Chancellor Akuno also praised the government’s efforts to operationalize the Blue Economy Research Hub at Miyandhe, noting that the institution’s research partners have already contributed equipment worth 50 million shillings.
“The facility has several laboratory spaces that extend beyond the blue economy, as the institution plans to venture into health research as well. Once operational, these laboratories will be a game changer in health and specialized laboratory services in the county, benefiting the local residents immensely,” said Prof. Akuno.
By Erick Nyayiera.
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