EDITORIAL: Continuous assessment of EAC projects crucial

When Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda began the implementation of some of the projects under the East African Community (EAC), without the other partner states; Tanzania and Burundi, critics were already predicting doom for the bloc. The reasons forwarded by the leaders then was that time was of essence if the projects were to get off the ground. Those who were ready could proceed, the others could follow later. They were applying the variable geometry principle. Today, that wisdom is already paying off, especially as regards to the Northern Corridor projects that were being held back by lack of action or sense of urgency. That is why the leaders of the three countries decided to take personal supervision: they would meet every three months to access progress and give guidance. The summit that was held in Uganda this week went even further by setting up a special body that would exclusively fast track all projects. That is called acumen. If the projects were not getting the full attention of busy government officials, the only option was to go back on the drawing board and rearrange the pieces. That is called foresight. We cannot afford the luxury of falling behind on our schedules; we have the necessary manpower, so there is no need to dilly dally when crucial decisions have to be made.

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EDITORIAL: Continuous assessment of EAC projects crucial