Former KCCA acting Executive Director, Frank Rusa has trashed claims by Kampala Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago that recent Kampala floods were caused by construction on top of one of the water channels in St.Balikuddembe.
Following last month’s devastating floods, Lukwago blamed businessman, Hamis Kiggundu of constructing on top of Jugula water channel, leading to the floods.
However, speaking to journalists, Rusa, dismissed the claims.
“That the reason which created floods then(last month) was the silting is wrong. In fact, Ham Enterprises committed to desilt that entire place so that we see if the flooding will continue. In fact he did what he committed to do and floods in St.Balikuddembe stopped,” Rusa said.
He insisted that last month’s floods never affected St.Balikuddembe as it had been previously, crediting businessman, Hamis Kiggundu for desilting Jugula water channel.
Rusa however advised that competent local investors can be tapped into to invest in Kampala’s drainage system.
“There is need to invest in underground drainage and shift away from most of these open channels which are prone to blockage by solid waste. Therefore, competent local investors are called upon to come on board and invest in the city’s drainage system for betterment of our city,” Rusa said.
Rusa, who is now working with the legal team at KCCA also blasted Lukwago for calling for his interdiction over the manner in which he allowed while acting as interim KCCA Executive Director Ham Kiggundu to construct on top of Jugula water channel.
“I told Ham that we have a case against him and that unless he complies with regulations given by the physical planning committee and the building committee, we will have no option but take him to court. He complied with what he was required to do and it is because of that, I ordered my team to withdraw the criminal case against him,” Rusa said.
“This thing of the Lord Mayor trying to personalize or politicise this matter is most unfortunate. We don’t run the legal processes of KCCA depending on political disagreements of individuals or personal vendettas. It is unfortunate this is happening.”