Trust is the foundation of any community, especially when it comes to the essential services that keep our families safe and healthy. In Alebtong District, that trust is currently being tested as local leaders launch a serious investigation into the Awei Health Centre III project. Serious questions have surfaced regarding nearly 100 million shillings intended to improve medical facilities for the people of Awei, yet reports suggest that much of the promised work exists only on paper.
The controversy began when Sam Oyena Obonyo, the LCIII Chairperson for Awei Sub-county, sounded the alarm. He pointed out a massive gap between what was paid for and what was actually built. While the district allocated over 99 million shillings to Nabesha Company for an Outpatient Department block, several critical features are missing. Essential components like a specialized placenta pit, a medical waste disposal area, and a high-quality terrazzo floor in the ward are allegedly nowhere to be found. Despite these glaring omissions, the contractor, Engineer David Ogwok, reportedly filed documents claiming the entire project was finished according to the required specifications.
This situation is a wake-up call for transparency and the protection of public resources. It is unacceptable for public funds, meant to provide life-saving infrastructure, to be potentially mismanaged through incomplete projects. Ambrose Ongom Ongom, the LCV Chairperson for Alebtong, has stepped up to ensure that justice is served. He has confirmed that a full verification process is underway for all government projects implemented during the 2025/2026 financial year. In a bold move for accountability, the district has frozen all pending payments to contractors until every inch of their work is inspected and verified against the agreed standards.
The message from the district leadership is clear: no one will receive payment for work they did not do. To ensure the community is part of this solution, the district plans to hold a public accountability session where the results of these inspections will be shared openly. This gives the residents of Awei a voice and a seat at the table, allowing them to see exactly how their tax money is being spent and to identify any project that has failed to meet its obligations.
While the contractor has yet to provide his side of the story despite several attempts to reach him via telephone, the investigation continues with full force. This is more than just a dispute over a building; it is a fight for the integrity of public service. The people of Alebtong deserve a healthcare system built on honesty and quality, and the current administration is committed to making sure that every shilling is accounted for and every promised facility is fully operational. Residents are encouraged to remain calm as the authorities work to ensure that those responsible for any substandard work are held responsible.