ADB ROADS WATCH: OLD MUBENDE ROAD CONSTRUCTION WORKS BEGIN

The sound of heavy machinery could be heard from a distance as workers and construction machines were hard at work on the Old Mubende Road in Rubaga Division, Kampala.

For years, this road had been in a state of disrepair, causing frustration for residents and businesses in the area. Now, as part of the Kampala City Roads Rehabilitation Project (KCRRP), the road is finally getting the attention it needs.

On Thursday, we found the Chinese State Construction Engineering Cooperation (CSCEC) workers, with their graders and construction machines, working tirelessly to upgrade the Old Mubende Road to a paved standard.

The road will improve connectivity, facilitate trade around Busega Market, and ease traffic flow in the city.

The KCRRP is a $288 million project funded by the African Development Bank that aims to rehabilitate key roads across Kampala. The ambitious project covers a distance of 70 kilometers of roads and involves the reconstruction of at least 31 roads in the city.

The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has embarked on this massive project to upgrade the city's road infrastructure with the aim of improving mobility and enhancing the overall quality of life for city residents.

In addition to the road upgrades, the KCRRP also includes the construction of 30 public toilets, 123 km of walkways, and covered drainage. The project also involves the upgrading of 22 junctions, the construction of six roadside markets, the installation of 1,600 street lights, and landscaping works.

The impact of this project on the city of Kampala cannot be overstated. The roads being rehabilitated are key arteries that connect various parts of the city, and their poor condition has been a major source of frustration for residents and businesses alike.

Of the 31 roads, nine will be upgraded from marram to tarmac, 13 will be reconstructed, four will be improved to dual carriage, and four junctions will be upgraded.

Lubaga Division will take the lion’s share of the roads, with 12 roads slated to be worked on. Makindye division follows with eight roads. Central division and Kawempe division each have three roads to be constructed while Nakawa Division has two roads

The roads to be worked on are Wamala, Luwafu, Kabega, Mutesa I, Old Mubende, Kayemba, Kigala Bulange Junction, and the Canon Apollo Kivebulaya/Albert Cook Road junction.

Others are Portbell, Spring, Old Portbell, Fifth Street, Sixth Street, Seventh Street, Eighth Street, Sir Apollo Kagwa, Muzito, Kiteezi, Ssuna I, and Ssuna II.

Also to be worked on are Kabalagala Junction, Kasubi-Northern Bypass, Salaama, Queensway, including Kibuye Junction, Kyebando Ring Road, Kisasi II, Mugema, Masiro, Sentema, and Nsambya Hanlon.

By upgrading these roads to a high standard, the project will not only improve mobility but also boost economic activity in the city.

As the project continues, contractors are currently doing forward maintenance work, shifting utility lines, and filling potholes to keep the roads in a motorable state.

Kampala City has 2100 km of roads, only 30% of which are paved.

KCRRP is a significant investment in the city's future. The road upgrades and accompanying works will improve the quality of life for residents, enhance economic activity, and create a more livable and sustainable urban environment.