LORD MAYOR BALIMWEZO INSPECTS MPERERWE-KITEEZI-KITI ROAD

For residents of Mpererwe, Kiteezi and Kiti, the sight of construction equipment along their road is a sign of change.

The 9.1-kilometre Mpererwe-Kiteezi-Kiti road is being reconstructed under the Kampala City Roads Rehabilitation Project (KCRRP), in an investment of UGX 51 billion that is expected to make movement easier and safer for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.

Kampala Lord Mayor Ronald Balimwezo Nsubuga, accompanied by members of the City Executive Committee (CEC) and KCCA’s technical team, today inspected the road to assess progress and engage the contractor and consultant.

The visit was also an opportunity for the political and technical leadership to listen to concerns on the ground and push for faster progress.

“We have come as the political and technical leadership to monitor the project. We have met the contractor and consultant, and they have committed to speeding up the works,” Balimwezo said.

He also asked the contractor to regularly water the road to keep dust down and make the construction period more comfortable for people living, working and travelling along the corridor.

When complete, the road will include two traffic lanes, cycling lanes, walkways and 330 street lights, according to KCCA Deputy Director for Roads and Drainage Eng. Maurice Kairania.

“We are going to build this road with two lanes, cycling lanes, walkways and 330 lights. We expect this road to be completed within 13 months,” Kerenia said.

The walkways and cycling lanes will provide safer spaces for people who walk or cycle, while the street lighting is expected to improve visibility and safety after dark.

For Kawempe Division Mayor Emanuel Sserunjoji, the focus is on ensuring that the finished road matches what was agreed upon.

“We want to see everything in the Bills of Quantities fulfilled. We want a quality road,” Sserunjoji said.

He also commended community members who voluntarily provided land to facilitate the road right of way, saying their cooperation had helped make the project possible.

“The community has played an important role by giving land freely for the right of way. We commend them for supporting development in their area,” he said.

Dr. Shamim Nambase, executive secretary for Finance, said the visit was equally important in ensuring that the public investment achieves its intended purpose.

“The road was launched and we are here to ensure there is value for money and quality work,” Nambase said.

She added that drainage would be an important part of protecting the road and ensuring that the investment lasts.

From Kiteezi, Balimwezo and the team continued their inspection to the Nsoba drainage channel in Kawempe Division, where work has also started under KCRRP.

The 4.7-kilometre Nsoba channel is one of Kampala’s important stormwater routes. It runs from Mulimira through Kalerwe and Bwaise before feeding into the primary Lubigi channel.

The improvements are expected to ease the movement of stormwater and help reduce flooding in communities along the route.

The drainage works also form part of KCCA’s wider effort to ensure that road improvements are supported by infrastructure capable of managing stormwater and protecting the city’s roads.

By Geofrey Mutegeki Araali

Communication and Media Relations Officer