The government has warned contractors undertaking public infrastructure projects against deploying old and unfit vehicles, saying such equipment slows construction and compromises the quality of work.
The warning was issued during the site handover ceremony for two major road construction projects in Kajjansi, located in Wakiso District.
Speaking at the event, Monica Edemacu, the Under Secretary in the Ministry of Greater Kampala Metropolitan Affairs, urged contractors to ensure that all vehicles and machinery deployed on government-funded projects are roadworthy before construction begins.
“We cannot allow delays on government projects because contractors are using old and unreliable vehicles. All equipment must be fit for purpose to ensure that work progresses as planned,” Edemacu said.
She added that the government vehicle inspector will be directed to assess all vehicles used by contractors before work starts to ensure they meet the required operational standards.
The projects fall under the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Programme, an initiative supported by the World Bank aimed at improving road infrastructure and connectivity across the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area.
Meanwhile, Charles Magumba, who represented Raphael Magyezi, called on contractors to avoid unnecessary delays and ensure the projects are delivered within the agreed timelines.
“These projects are important for improving infrastructure in the Greater Kampala area, and we expect contractors to work efficiently and deliver them on schedule,” Magumba said.
The Chairperson of Wakiso District, Matiya Lwanga Bwanika, also urged contractors to implement proper traffic management measures during construction, particularly along the busy Entebbe Road corridor.
“We ask the contractors to manage the construction process carefully so that traffic flow is not heavily disrupted along this very busy route,” Bwanika said.
He further appealed to village leaders to remain vigilant throughout the construction period to ensure the projects proceed without disruption.
“I urge all village leaders to be vigilant on these roads that are going to be worked on. Ensure that the materials brought by contractors are not stolen so that the work can move on without interruptions,” he said.
Bwanika also encouraged LC1 chairpersons to organize meetings to properly identify and screen residents who will be hired to work with contractors.
“Chairpersons should organize meetings to scrutinize the people who will work with the contractors so that hooligans are not involved in the project,” he added.
Local leaders also thanked residents who voluntarily offered portions of their land to facilitate the road works, even without compensation.
They appealed to contractors to prioritize employing local residents, particularly the youth, so that surrounding communities can directly benefit from the projects.
Residents welcomed the planned upgrades, saying the roads have been in poor condition for years due to potholes and excessive dust.
“These roads have had many potholes and too much dust. We are happy that they are finally going to be improved,” one resident said.
The projects are valued at about Shs113 billion. They include the 7.5-kilometre Namulanda–Bweya–Kajjansi Road, estimated at Shs57 billion, and the Sseguku–Nalumunye–Bandwe–Kinaawa–Kyengera Road, valued at Shs56 billion.
The contracts have been awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation and China Wu Yi Construction Company Limited, which have been tasked with delivering the projects in line with government quality standards.
