PM NABBANJA URGES UTILITY PROVIDERS TO SPEED UP RELOCATIONS FOR KAMPALA ROADS

Prime Minister Rt Hon Robinah Nabbanja has issued a stern directive to utility service providers, urging them to expedite the relocation of service lines to ensure the timely completion of vital road construction projects in Kampala.

During her Thursday tour, Nabbanja inspected the Kyebando Ring Road in Kawempe Division, as well as 7th Street and 8th Street, identifying critical issues such as right-of-way acquisition and delayed service line relocations as major bottlenecks.

These are some of the roads being constructed under the Kampala City Roads Rehabilitation Project (KCRRP).

Nabbanja called on key utility providers, including Umeme, National Information Technology Authority (NITA-U), National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), and the Police, to enhance their coordination and speed up the shifting of service lines to prevent further delays.

Expressing frustration with the current pace of progress, Nabbanja demanded immediate action from contractors and consultants.

"Let the contractor start work; we are tired of potholes," she declared, pledging to closely monitor the situation. "I'm going to start passing here every day. If there are any problems, I want to know about them immediately."

Highlighting her determination to ensure efficient project completion, Nabbanja announced plans to engage the Ambassador of China.

She criticized the apparent negligence of the consultants, stating, "We feel there is negligence on the side of the consultant. We are tired. We don't want to waste even one minute. People are suffering."

Stressing the importance of timely and high-quality execution, Nabbanja warned against any form of sabotage to government efforts.

"When we are given work, let us deliver it. Don't sabotage government. We want to serve our people. We need quality work and quality roads," she emphasized.

Following her inspections, Nabbanja convened a meeting with contractors, consultant utility service providers and the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) to address the challenges hindering road construction.

Government Chief Whip Hamson Obua who had accompanied the Prime Minister during the road tours attended the meeting echoed her concerns, proposing subcontracting as a solution to accelerate the work.

"For us, we want to see Kampala roads in good shape. Why don't you subcontract more so that work moves fast?" he suggested.

The tour and meeting also included the Minister of Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, and the State Minister for Kampala, Kabuye Kyofatogabye who acknowledged that the current pace of execution is a significant challenge.

The KCCA Executive Director Dorothy Kisaka, her Deputy Eng David Luyimbazi were also part of the road tours.