Underwater rocks slowing new Nile bridge works
Finance and Works ministries officials inspect the construction works of the new bridge on River Nile in Jinja District last Wednesday. Photo BY DENIS EDEMA
Jinja.
The resident engineer of the new bridge on River Nile in Jinja District has said construction works are behind schedule due to big rocks under the water that were not detected in time when the project started in April last year.
“Breaking rocks has taken our time, delivery of materials to the site is not in time as most are being shipped from outside Africa but we are working towards success,” Mr Takao Yamamoto said.
He made the remarks during a tour of the works by delegations from ministries of Finance and Works last Wednesday.
Mr Takao said most local engineers who are employees at the site are not exposed to the new bridge structure because of its complexity, adding that it will require training for some engineers in order to help in maintenance of the bridge in future.
Mr Ryoichi Kawabe from the Japan International Cooperation Agency, said the matter has been resolved.
About the bridge
The 525-metre cable stayed bridge with a main span of 290 metres, life span of 120 years and a dual carriage way, which is part of the Kampala Express Highway, is to cost Shs391b. It is expected to be ready by April 2018, the officials at the site said. So far, permanent work at the bridge stands at 12 per cent.
