UNRA to demolish 75 buildings

Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) is set to demolish more than 75 commercial buildings in the central business area of Soroti Municipality to pave way for widening of the north highway to accommodate the increasing traffic.
According to a photographic mapping issued to the 75 affected landlords, the intended project is meant to expand the road from its current width of 15 to 30 metres.

The document states that out of the 80 commercial houses on Gweri Street, according to a ground survey by UNRA, only five buildings stand outside the road reserve.
Mr Dab Opinya, the owner of the house on plot 33 C, which is also affected, says UNRA should get back to the ground to clarify how they arrived at their measurements which have put majority of the houses constructed in the late 1950s at risk of demolition.

Compensation
Mr Opinya demands that the compensation modalities be brought to the fore to avoid last minute heckling which has marred most government projects across the country.
Another affected landlord, Nathan Odaret, says the plans will affect the development plan for the town, reasoning that some buildings are almost affected by three quarters.
“There is need for UNRA to engage stakeholders such as the municipal council to enable us re-plan the town before the roadworks start,” he notes.

Mr Odaret says the old road used to pass through Serere, Ngora to Kumi in early 1950s, making the landlords victims of circumstances.
Mr Paul Omer, the Soroti Municipality mayor, says he is not well conversant with the development.
He adds that he is yet to find out the truth from UNRA on the ongoing project.
“We cannot do much if this is true since it is a national plan to have the road expanded,” he explains.

Mr Omer says according to UNRA officials, the compensation will be done by World Bank since it is responsible for the project.
The UNRA station’s branch manager in Soroti, Mr Ahmad Awoii Okwir, confirmed the demolitions, adding that the project is intended at accommodate all categories of road users.
He says, in its current form, it violates the right of way for pedestrians as motorcyclists and bicycle riders compete with cars for a small road space.
He also says when mutual agreement with the affected is reached, modalities of compensation from government will be channelled out.

Purpose

The objective of the Transport Sector Development Project for Uganda by Work Bank is to improve the connectivity and efficiency of the transport sector through: (i) improved condition of national road network; (ii) improved capacity for road safety management; and (iii) improved transport sector and national road management. Upgrading and rehabilitation of national roads is to be executed UNRA.

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