Work on the implementation of the Nyandungu Eco-Tourism Park has slowed since the project commenced in December 2016.
The completion of the project meant to turn Nyandungu wetland into an urban recreational space was expected this year.
While Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) says that activities slowed partly due to redesigning of the project and changing the implementing firm, this is not the only multibillion project that has stalled.
It is just the latest in a host of various major infrastructure projects that have stalled, some due to the indecisions and uncertainties caused by mismanagement of contracts.
To illustrate the financial implications of these stalled projects, one needs to look at the Auditor General’s report for the fiscal year ended June 2019.
The report revealed that projects worth a staggering Rwf115 billion had stalled. In total, the audit revealed 22 cases of stalled projects.
There’s a lot of money tied to uncompleted works, which would otherwise have been spent on other economic activities.
Some of these stalled projects, ranging from roads to energy projects, are meant to ease doing business in the country, drive private sector growth and economic development.
Therefore, an urgent review is needed in order to revive the implementation of these infrastructure projects upon which growth is expected to rest in the coming years.
With the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic causing uncertain economic outlook, this might be a good time for increased public infrastructure investment.
It is important for boosting investor confidence, creating jobs and accelerating recovery.
However, the inefficiencies in the management of public contracts is still a concern that must be addressed urgently.
We still have cases of delayed and abandoned contracts, leading to stalled projects.