The much hyped government funded economic stimulus projects in Thika West District might end up not achieving intended plans, as some implementing agents ignored the Ministry of Finance’s directive of upgrading existing projects and erected new ones.
As a result, the fate of over Sh100 million worth of projects is hanging in the balance, two years after the government released the funds, since most of the projects are half way done with no money to bring them to completion.
This has been revealed by area District Development Officer Clephas Ogutu, who says most projects have stalled.
Amongst the projects that are yet to be operational are Gachororo Health Centre, funded to the tune of Sh20.2 million so far, from the initial Sh26million proposed to construct, equip and operationalize the facility.
The facility is 78per cent complete from late last year, with beds and other furniture in place, but lacking in other technical equipments to make it an operational modern health center.
St George Karibaribi girls High School, funded through the area Ministry of Education at a tune of Sh37 million has all its crucial structures in place, a state of the art classrooms and facilities, but lacking in a perimeter wall and am administration block.
Ogutu faulted the construction of the school, which was done from scratch in total disregard to the Ministry of Finance’s directive that required the department to upgrade an already existing girl's school to modern institution.
This he said put implementing agent, the beneficiaries and the funding agent into a crossroad, as the Sh37 million allocated could not put up a complete school.
The funds allocated so far is inadequate to complete a drainage system and fence the school, which has already admitted students.
Also caught up in the mess is Ruiru Jua Kali sheds and Ngoliba Modern market, funded to the tune of Sh5 and 10 million respectively, but yet to be completed and handed over to Thika Municipality.
Members of the public, supposed to have benefited from the said government funded projects, are calling for proper auditing of the multi million shillings projects, which have spent colossal sums of money but are of no use for now.