World Bank planning new Shs2 trillion urban development project
Works and Transport Minister Katumba Wamala (second left) launches the Urban Roads Manual, a product of the USMID programme in Munyonyo, Kampala, on Wednesday. Photo / Courtesy
What you need to know:
- For 10 years, the World Bank, through a $360m USMID project, which ended in June last year, supported urban infrastructure development across 33 districts
The World Bank has said it will build on the success registered under the Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID) project to launch a successor programme under which it will continue to support urban infrastructure development.
The World Bank, through the $360m USMID project, which ended in June last year, had since 2013, enhanced urban infrastructure development by supporting road, markets and water sources construction in at least 33 local governments across Uganda.
State Minister for Urban Development Obiga Kania had last year indicated that government was already negotiating with the World Bank for the continuity of another project called the Uganda Cities and Municipalities Infrastructure Development, which he said would more or less have the same activities, but at a deeper level.
However, without giving details, while speaking at the two-day Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development first annual Urban Development Conference in Munyonyo, Kampala, Ms Huyen Phan, the World Bank task team leader, said the government of Uganda was preparing a follow-on operation for the Uganda Cities and Municipalities Infrastructure Programme, which will draw lessons from USMID and focus on several key areas.
"The new phase will emphasize climate-resilient infrastructure that contributes to a low-carbon economy and supports a digitalized urban environment. It will also prioritize strengthening the sustainability of investments, ensuring adequate resources for maintenance and expanding local government capacity," she said.
People familiar with the negotiations say the new project is estimated to be nearly Shs2 trillion.
There has been a renewed call for strategic physical planning across Uganda, given the rapid urbanisation rate estimated at more than 5 percent.
Speaking at the same conference, Works and Transport Minister Katumba Wamala told stakeholders, among whom included mayors, town planners and technocrats to protect and maintain USMID infrastructure because it remains critical in stimulating economic growth.
"Local leaders [should] ensure full maintenance of [USMID] infrastructure to ensure they benefit the community in promoting trade and commerce,” Mr Katumba said.
The conference, which brought together urban development stakeholders, sought to discuss and shape the future of Uganda’s towns and cities, many of which have benefited from the 10 years of USMID.
The conference reviewed progress in urban development, shared best practices, and aligned efforts with national and global development frameworks such as Vision 2040, the Third National Development Plan (NDPIII), and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Mr Katumba also used the conference to award and recognise best best-performing USMID implementing local governments and launch the Urban Roads Manual, a product of the programme.
