KCCA COMMITS TO FAST TRACKING LUBIGI DRAINAGE CHANNEL COMPLETION

The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Executive Director, Sharifah Buzeki, has assured the World Bank that there will be no further delays in the completion of the Lubigi Drainage Channel.

This project, which commenced under the Second Kampala Institutional and Infrastructure Development Project (KIIDP II), is crucial in mitigating persistent flooding in Kampala.

In a meeting held on Thursday with World Bank officials, including Scott T. Adams, the Senior Dispute Resolution Officer at the World Bank Accountability Mechanism, discussions centered on resolving outstanding disputes and expediting payments to Project Affected Persons (PAPs).

Initially, 12 cases were pending, but three have been resolved, leaving nine cases that are currently being processed for payment.

“We are working diligently to resolve all outstanding disputes and fast-track payments to the remaining PAPs to ensure the smooth implementation of this project,” said Buzeki.

“Delays have largely stemmed from disputes among beneficiaries and challenges in obtaining Tax Identification Numbers (TINs) necessary for processing payments through the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS).”

KCCA has stepped in to support PAPs in acquiring TINs, as many do not have email addresses where the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) can send the necessary documentation.

The meeting, attended by key stakeholders including Carissa Western, a Dispute Resolution Expert, and DRS members Grace Tukahebwa and Christine Mwagala, focused on clearing all bottlenecks hindering the project’s completion.

The Lubigi Wetland Channel is one of Kampala’s most critical drainage systems, and its completion will significantly reduce flooding in the city.

KCCA and the World Bank remain committed to ensuring that the project is completed without further setbacks.