Nansana Municipality road project finally takes off
The Minister for Kampala Metropolitan Area (checked suit), Mr Kabuye Kyofatogabye, poses for a photo with leaders of Nansana Municipality shortly after signing the contract. PHOTO | NOELINE NABUKENYA
What you need to know:
- The project's design includes opening and shaping drainage channels, installing street lighting, tarmacking the road, and paving walkways
Leaders in Nansana Municipality, Wakiso District, can finally breathe a sigh of relief as the long-awaited road construction project is set to commence.
The Chinese firm, China Railway 18th Bureau Group Company Limited, has signed a contract to construct two road links: Nansana-Wamala-Katooke, measuring 4.87km, and Maganjo-JinjaKaloli, spanning 1.1km.
The contract, worth Shs33.9 billion, is expected to be completed within 18 months. Mr Kabuye Kyofatogabye, Minister for Kampala Metropolitan Area Affairs, directed the contractor to mobilize workforce, resources, and equipment within a month to meet the April 1 kickoff deadline.
"We've been feeling the heat from our people," said Ms Regina Bakitte, Nansana Municipality Mayor.
"Some had even demolished their fences last year, expecting the project to start soon. But when the new year began without any updates, they were exposed to security threats and dust, putting more pressure on us leaders."
The project's design includes opening and shaping drainage channels, installing street lighting, tarmacking the road, and paving walkways. Mr Ntale Kalema, Speaker of Nansana Municipality, expressed optimism that the project would address the challenges faced by residents, including overwhelming dust during the dry season and mud during the rainy season.
"The dust during the dry season has been overwhelming, and when it rains, the mud takes shape. This has not only affected income generation for the government but also increased diseases among the residents," he noted.
The mayor for Nabweru Division, Kasim Jumba, highlighted the project's potential to create job opportunities for locals. "We have qualified personnel who can take up some jobs, and our youth can be hired for manual labor," he said.
Ms. Monica Edemacu, Undersecretary for the Ministry of Kampala, emphasized the need to link the road project to the Parish Development Model (PDM) to ensure holistic development. Mr. Festo Tandeka, Nansana Municipality Town Clerk, described the project as a "game-changer" for Nansana, citing its potential to decongest traffic jams.
"We want quality work and delivery in time because people have been waiting for very many years," he said.
However, some residents have raised concerns about the project's impact on their properties. Mr. Titus Ssendi, a teacher at Richie Primary School Wamala, noted that part of the school would be demolished, including the school gate and playground gate. While welcoming the development, he requested compensation for the affected structures.
"Some times when it rains, water floods up to our dormitories, and the dust also causes diseases to our children. This is a great milestone for us, but we ask the government that if there is any arrangement for compensation, let us be compensated," he said.
The two road links are part of the 50km to be constructed in Nansana Municipality under the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Program (GKMA-UDP) 2023-2028. The project is expected to improve the livelihoods of residents, enhance economic growth, and provide better access to social services.
