KCCA to repair drainage systems

In bid to reduce flooding in the city, Kampala Capital City Authority has embarked on a process to update and implement the Kampala Drainage Master plan along different city roads.

Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), in response to the frequent flooding within the city will, beginning this month, embark on the updating and implementation of the Kampala drainage master plan.

“While the authority continues with evaluation, design and extensive clearing of drainage systems throughout Kampala, certain areas have been identified as flooding black spots and therefore need immediate infrastructural improvement,” KCCA spokesperson Peter Kaujju said.

Roads that are to be worked on include Jinja Road, Ben Kiwanuka Street, Dastur and Channel streets, SIKH, Bugolobi, Kintu and Corydon road, Jjuko drain and the Clock Tower.

Mr Kaujju adds that the works will majorly be within the walk ways and along road edges adding that areas such as the clock tower and Jinja Road will be prioritized since they normally experience the most flooding.
He also says that repairs will be carried out bearing in mind the need not to disrupt traffic flow in the city.

However, for areas where disruption is unavoidable, regular public updates and notices will be provided along with relevant diversion plans, he added
According to the authority, the construction of the Bwaise- Lubigi drainage channel, which is expected to be completed soon, will partially ease the drainage problem in the city.

This newspaper understands that this is the second attempt by KCCA to improve the flow of water in the city. Last year, the authority allocated at least Shs7.8 billion to widen and de-silt the Nakivubo drainage channel.

However, enlargements to the 9km channel, which holds approximately 95 per cent of the water from the developed central area of the city into the swamps adjacent to Lake Victoria, is yet to be realised.

The city has at several times become flooded putting business and transport at a standstill after access to several roads and buildings are submerged by water. At times deaths have been recorded after motorists fail to identify demarcations of drainage systems.

It is estimated that it requires 100 million dollars to implement the proposed Kampala district master plan to work on drainage.

akiyaga@ug.nationmedia.com