Speaker Among Urges Expedited Start to Kampala-Jinja Expressway

Last updated: February 21, 2024 12:42 pm

During a parliamentary session chaired by Speaker Anita Among on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, a renewed call was made to Works Minister Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala to accelerate the initiation of construction on the 77km Kampala-Jinja expressway.

Speaker Among expressed frustration over the delay in project commencement despite loan approval, citing concerns with the project-affected persons as a hindrance since 2020.

In response, Minister Wamala outlined the challenges, emphasizing the prolonged process of land acquisition and compensation for affected individuals. He underscored the complexity of the project as a Public Private Partnership (PPP), involving numerous qualifying stages before implementation.

The minister highlighted progress, stating that the Attorney General has secured a partial risk agreement, a crucial step in procuring a contractor. With most hurdles cleared, the project is now poised for advertisement and contracting, pending sufficient land availability.

Minister Wamala also addressed concerns regarding road maintenance equipment procurement, noting that while 90% of the required equipment is in the country, full procurement awaits the balance of six billion shillings. He assured that the government has secured the necessary equipment for nationwide road maintenance.

In response to MP Dan Atwijukire’s concern regarding unfulfilled commitments to provide districts with road maintenance equipment, Minister Wamala promised transparency and accountability, pledging to provide a comprehensive statement within two weeks on the status of road works nationwide.

© The Ankole Times. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication or its digital content may be reproduced, distributed, published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed in whole or in part without prior written permission from The Ankole Times.