Audit Report Reveals Misuse Of CDF Funds In Kimili, Aldai Constituencies
A report by the State Department for Public Works has exposed the risks sections of learners in schools in Kimilili and Aldai constituencies are facing due to shoddy workmanship during the construction of classes.
The information suggests that the structural integrity of classrooms is compromised in 10 out of 12 schools in Kimilili. Additionally, there is one classroom in the Aldai constituency that is deemed unsuitable for occupation.
Last year, the National Government CDF board initiated an examination of the infrastructure initiatives supported by the Constituency Development Fund in two constituencies. This action was prompted by public complaints from residents of these constituencies regarding the perceived inadequacies in the executed work.
The report reveals that contractors responsible for building the classrooms are not meeting the necessary standards, thereby validating public concerns.
Among the 12 schools inspected in Kimilili Constituency, only Sango Baptist and Kamusinde RC Primary Schools were found to have structurally sound buildings.
Ten schools, namely Kamukuywa, Bituyu SA Nasianda, Shikendu, Namawanga DEB, Kimilili RC and DEB, Kamusinde FYM, Kamaseile FYM, and Daraja Mungu Primary Schools, had buildings that were not structurally stable and needed corrective measures.
Two classrooms at Lutonyi Primary School and five at Chesamisi Primary School were deemed unfit for use.
In Aldai Constituency, Kimaren Secondary School had buildings that were deemed unsafe by the Department of Works and consequently condemned.
The findings indicate that the agreements were frequently carried out without adhering to proper procedures. For example, several contracts were fulfilled without the inclusion of a bill of quantities or detailed architectural and structural plans, jeopardizing the quality of the construction results.
ALSO READ:
- Whistleblower Reveals Ksh4 Billion Windfall for 7 Law Firms Advising IEBC
- Why Ruto & Gachagua Receive Ksh650K Housing Allowance Despite Living in State Residences
- Kenyan Citizens Plan Mass Boycott of President Ruto’s X Space, Opt for Parallel Session
- Gov’t Suspends Recruitment in Public Service
- Nairobi County Lost Ksh 70 Million Daily Due to Protests, Governor Sakaja
In different instances, the nature of the tasks to be carried out shifted from construction to renovation.
Buko RC Primary School was initially allocated Ksh.12 million for the construction of classrooms. However, Laughing Stock Engineering Limited, the contractor, performed renovations at a cost of Ksh.4.6 million instead.
The report highlights various issues, including overall subpar craftsmanship and the absence of both structural drawings and qualified supervision for multi-story structures in nearly all projects.
There is no evidence indicating that quality tests for materials or concrete were conducted on every project.
Numerous projects were discovered to exhibit floor cracks, roofs with leaks, slabs that are sagging, and compromised sections in walls and columns, including the first-floor slabs. This jeopardizes the stability of these structures, posing a threat to the lives of thousands of children attending these schools.
The report also mentioned that some classrooms featured walls, staircases, and first-floor slabs that exhibited vibrations.
The recently issued report, which came out at the end of the previous month, suggests reinforcing certain structures to enhance their strength. Additionally, it proposes the replacement of roofs and other necessary repairs.
Audit Report Reveals Misuse Of CDF Funds In Kimili, Aldai Constituencies