Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has said most roads undergoing rehabilitation under the Kampala Capital City Roads Rehabilitation Project are more than 85 per cent complete, with the remaining works expected to be finalised within the next two to three months.
KCCA Deputy Executive Director Benon Moses Kigenyi said the authority is now focusing on completing auxiliary works, including pavement construction and the installation of streetlights, following substantial progress on the main carriageways.
“We are coming to the close of the construction phase of many roads under the Kampala Capital City Roads Rehabilitation Project, funded by the African Development Bank,” Kigenyi said.
He attributed delays in implementing the projects to challenges that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, when several road contracts were signed but construction did not begin immediately.
According to Kigenyi, progress remained slow even after work commenced, prompting KCCA to intensify its engagement with contractors to identify and resolve bottlenecks affecting implementation.
The authority held several site meetings and detailed discussions with contractors to address challenges, including delays in processing payments for completed work and issues involving project-affected persons.
“We have addressed many of these challenges, particularly by reducing the time taken to process payments after contractors submit interim payment certificates. This has helped us reach the stage we are at today,” he said.
Kigenyi added that KCCA had intervened in matters requiring administrative action to facilitate construction and enable contractors to complete their assignments.
He assured Kampala residents that most of the roads would have their streetlights installed and pavements completed within the next two to three months, paving the way for the handover of the completed infrastructure.
The rehabilitation project is intended to improve mobility in Kampala while addressing persistent drainage challenges that contribute to flooding and road damage.
Kigenyi said KCCA had invested in drainage improvements alongside road construction, including widening and covering drainage channels and upgrading bridges in some locations.
He noted that although these interventions might not be immediately apparent to road users, they are essential to protecting the road network and extending the lifespan of the infrastructure.
“On each of these roads, we have enhanced side drains and, in some locations, bridges to improve drainage and ensure the roads last longer,” he said.
“A road can only remain in good condition if its drainage system functions effectively. Proper drainage helps prevent flooding across the roads, which can cause damage and accelerate their deterioration.”
KCCA says the improvements are also intended to make pedestrian movement safer and more convenient while improving connectivity and access for other road users.
Kigenyi commended the African Development Bank for financing the project and praised contractors for responding to the authority’s concerns throughout implementation.
“We are grateful to the African Development Bank for providing the resources for these projects, as well as to the contractors who have responded to our demands throughout the implementation period and helped us achieve the progress we have made on the road network,” he said.
The completion of the remaining works is expected to provide Kampala residents with improved road infrastructure, better drainage and street lighting. However, meeting the projected two-to-three-month timeline will be crucial to ensuring the infrastructure is completed and handed over as planned.