The Executive Director of the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Hajjat Sharifa Buzeki, has ordered the immediate removal of substandard culverts being used in ongoing road construction projects across the city.
The directive follows her recent inspection of several project sites under the Greater Kampala Urban Development Programme (GKUDP), where she expressed concern over the poor quality of materials and the slow pace of work.
KCCA is currently undertaking the construction and rehabilitation of several key roads covering 19.5 kilometers within the city. The works, which commenced about two months ago, are part of a wider effort to improve road infrastructure and ease traffic congestion in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area.
During her inspection tour of Old Kira Road, Mukalazi Road in Kawempe, Katalemwa, and Muganzirwazza, Hajjat Buzeeki noted inconsistencies in the quality of culverts being installed and delays in project execution.
“Out of the 19.5 kilometers that were agreed upon, only about 7.5 kilometers are progressing well. The rest have major issues which we cannot tolerate,” she said.
Hajjat Buzeeki revealed that engineers had reported challenges arising from CCTV cameras installed along some of the roads, saying the installations were obstructing construction activities.
“We are coordinating with various agencies, including the police, to have these CCTV cameras temporarily relocated so that the work can move faster,” she noted.
The KCCA boss further Ordered the removal of the unacceptable 600 diameter culverts and replace them with the KCCA approved 900 diameter culvert.
“We cannot allow materials that don’t meet the standards we agreed on. We want these roads to last,” she said firmly.
In addition to enforcing material quality, Hajjat Buzeeki issued a directive to contractors and engineers to ensure all open trenches and potholes are either fenced or covered immediately to prevent accidents and protect pedestrians.
“Safety is our priority. By today, I want all open spots fenced or covered to protect road users,” she instructed.
Meanwhile, Mr. Richard Kyobe , the head of Multiplex Limited, one of the companies contracted for the works, acknowledged the challenges faced during implementation but assured KCCA of swift corrective action.
“We acknowledge some setbacks, but we are committed to completing these roads within the given timeframes,” Mr. Kyobe said.
The road construction projects form part of the Greater Kampala Urban Development Programme, a flagship initiative designed to modernize the city’s transport network, enhance mobility, and support sustainable urban growth.
KCCA reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining strict quality control standards, ensuring that all ongoing and future projects deliver durable and safe road infrastructure for the people of Kampala.