The Catholic diocese of Fort Portal,has On Sunday March 5, Signed an agreement with Arch Design Uganda Ltd, pertaining the project management of the cathedral roof renovation.
This, marked the conclusion of the very first step in the process of renovating Our Lady of Snows Virika Cathedral’s leaking roof.
About the agreement
The meeting that took place in Parlour board room Virika, involved signing the contract of project management with the best bidder, by the diocese of Fort Portal and Arch Design Uganda, a consultancy firm that specializes in architectural and engineering work involving buildings, roads and other infrastructure.
Bishop Robert Muhiirwa Akiiki the ordinary of Fort Portal, signed the agreement on behalf of Fort Portal diocese the Client party, while Arch Richard Turyahabwe signed the agreement as the project manager on behalf of Arch Design.
This exercise, was also witnessed by Lawyer Gerald Mirembe the legal advisor, Msgr.Isiah Mayombo Adyeri the Chairperson Steering Committee for the renovation, Fr.Dr. Paschal Kabura, Engineer Adolf Kahuma, Fr. Edward Muhumuza C/p Finance committee, Fr. Tadius Musabe the Client representative, Hon. Ruhunda C/p Fundraising committee among others.
What to expect of the agreement
Lawrence Asaba, the Chairperson Procurement committee of the very renovation project, explained that what they just did, is a determinant of the remaining big and physical work.
He also noted that Arch design is expected to start on the visible work in about two months time, after carefully identifying the Contractor.
After completion of the construction, the company will still be in charge of the work done for the next one year.
Asaba on renovation
Hope rises for Physical work
Msgr. Isiah Mayombo Adyeri, the Chair person steering committee of the same project, revealed that the signed contract draws nearer the physical work of the construction.
He noted also that the fact that the project manager is in place, caters for many unanswered questions by people who have tirelessly contributed their money but are not seeing any work on ground.
Msgr.Mayombo on Contract
Engineer Adolf Kahuma, doubling as a member of the construction committee, explained that the sluggishness of the process is because they do not want to repeat the old mistakes.
“The current structure of Virika Cathedral is as a response of the 1966 earthquake and mainly the focus of the designers tended to concentrate on the disaster other than factors which could influence the performance of the same structure.We have registered sluggishness in the process of renovating it, because we are cautious and do not want to repeat the old mistakes of the same renovations” Noted Eng Kahuma.
Project Managers promise commendable work
Arch Richard Turyahabwe, lauded Fort Portal Diocese for choosing Arch Design Company to carry on the work of their unique Church Structure renovation and promised to deliver the best in the period of time agreed upon as per contract.
“I have made research else where and found out that the Virika Structure is nowhere else. I have told my team that we must double the efforts and deliver the very best services for the maintenance of this unique structure.” Revealed Arch Turyahabwe.
The Arch Design contract was further seconded by Fr.Dr.Paschal Kabuura, who testified the commendable work the company did to save the structure at St.Joseph’s technical Institute Kinyamasika, after the first contractor had done shoddy work on the same building.
Bishop Robert Muhiirwa Akiiki, revealed that they are confident Arch Design will do it’s part, basing on their expertise and presentable works.
He asked them to give the project their best so that the diocese doesn’t go through the same situation over renovation challenges.
