Contractor explains delay in city roads construction
Ongoing construct works on Bakuli-Nakulabye road. Courtesy photo
KAMPALA. Delay in reconstruction of Wandegeya and Bakuli city road junctions has been due to untimely compensation of residents affected by the project.
Mr Li Wanhong, the project manager of China Railway Seventh Group Co. Ltd, (CRSG) said despite the delay, quality works are to be delivered to city authorities.
“Lands were not compensated in time and this delayed the hand-over to us (contractor). Besides, the relocation of utility services such as Umeme, National Water and Sewage Corporation and telecom cables is also affecting the progress of work,” he said.
Speaking at the handover a donation to Namirembe Infants Primary School and City Nursery and Primary School on June 21, 2017, Mr Wanhong also attributed the delays to underground drainage pipes.
Kampala Capital City Authority hired CRSG to improve five city road junctions. Kira and Fairway junctions were completed in time about three months ago.
He further explained that his firm is expected to hand over Makerere Hill Road in October this year.
“Bakuli-Nakulabye-Kasubi will be completed in February 2018. However, about 700 meters of road are not yet compensated, which may delay the completion of the road.”
When contacted, KCCA spokesperson Mr Peter Kauju said the contractor’s concerns are being addressed.
Mr Wanhong requested vehicles passing the construction sites should reduce the speed and adhere to the traffic signs on sites.
“We have installed some humps to reduce the speed of traffic and control the dust. The traffic is required to drive carefully and bear with us during the construction,” he added.
Ms Barbara Nakayenze Sociologist CRSG said the contractor is concerned about the safety measures, environment protection and social impacts of the construction sites.
“We call up you to keep away from the working sites, do not play around the trenches or culverts to avoid any accident. If there is any complaint from the community about the work, it can always be communicated to the contractor and they will solve it with all means,” she said.
