Kagina directs firm on bypass compensation
The Executive Director of Uganda National Roads Authority Ms Allen Kagina (R) and officials from Mota-Engil construction company check the progress on Northern Bypass October 1, 2015. PHOTO: STEPHEN WANDERA
Kampala.
Katuramu and Company, the firm hired to complete compensation of land/ property owners on the Kampala-Northern Bypass, has been given a two-month ultimatum to be through with the process in right of way.
The Uganda National Roads Authority executive director, Ms Allen Kagina, yesterday, while touring the ongoing construction works to upgrade the bypass into a dual carriageway, was told by the project contractors, Mota-Engil, Engenharia SA, that progress has stalled owing to the non-availability of clean land – without claimants.
“The contractor has raised this issue over and over again, and this single process is taking too long,” Ms Kagina said. “But I have given the consultant only two months to hand over all the interchanges to the contractor.”
Construction works on the stretch from Bweyogerere through Naalya, Kiwatule, Kulambiro, Kigoowa, Bukoto, Mulago, Makerere, Bwaise, Kawaala and Namungoona is currently ongoing but at snail pace.
The European Union which provided Shs246 billion (€67 million) for the project, has raised the red flag over the delays. The expansion includes removing of all roundabouts and replacing them with flyovers at Busega, Kalerwe, Namungoona/Lubigi and Ntinda/Kisaasi, and an addition of two other lanes.
Ms Kagina yesterday said she had been in talks with the EU representatives, who she reassured that the delays would be sorted out immediately.
The consultant is currently trying to deal with the 800 project affected persons (PAPs)—both property and land owners on the project right of way.
Some were compensated earlier during the first phase of constructing the 17.5km single carriageway and 3.5km of dual carriageway between Hoima Road and Gayaza Road.
Correction
We had earlier indicated that the ultimatum to compensate land/ property owners was given to Mott McDonald which is in charge of Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) . While it is true that Mott McDonald is in charge of the RAP, it is not true that they are the ones hired to compensate land/ property owners.
The monitor endeavours to get everything it publishes correct.
