By Johannah Nantongo
Officials in Wakiso District have commenced two significant road construction projects in Kajjansi Town Council aimed at improving transport links within the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area.
The developments are part of the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Program and involve upgrading two key routes: the 8.9-kilometre Seguku–Nalumunye–Bandwe–Kanaawa–Kyengera road and the 7.5-kilometre Namulanda–Bweya–Kajjansi road.
Speaking during the launch event at Jjanyi Church of Uganda Primary School, Chief Administrative Officer Jude Mark Bukenya revealed that the Namulanda road project will cost about UGX 57 billion, while the Seguku road is estimated at UGX 56 billion. Both figures include value-added tax.
Monica Edemachu, the Under Secretary in the Ministry for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, encouraged contractors to give employment opportunities to residents living in the project areas. She also stressed the importance of maintaining safety, particularly for children and communities located near the construction zones.
Meanwhile, Matia Lwanga Bwanika, the LC5 Chairperson of Wakiso District, urged local leaders to closely monitor job opportunities offered to residents. He also advised contractors to prioritize proper maintenance practices during the construction period to safeguard the long-term value of the roads.
According to District Engineer Ndiwalana Godfrey, the roads will be upgraded to bitumen standard. The design includes a three-inch base layer intended to give the roads an estimated lifespan of about 25 years if they are well maintained.
Funding for the projects is being provided by the World Bank, Agence Française de Développement, and the European Union. Authorities believe the improved infrastructure will help ease traffic congestion while supporting economic growth in the fast-growing district.
Construction work will be carried out by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation and China Wu Yi Construction Co. Ltd..