The Minister for Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Matia Kasaija has revealed that highway works on the Mityana – Mubende Road stalled because of delayed launch of funds.
The minister made the revelation whereas responding to issues raised by totally different Members of Parliament on the poor state of roads across the nation throughout a sitting of the House chaired by Speaker Anita Among on Tuesday, 15 October 2024.
Kasaija stated {that a} small part of the highway Mityana – Mubende Road is in a foul state including {that a} delay in disbursement of funds to the contractor affected the contractor’s skill to finish the highway in time.
“The contractor is now nicely ready and on obligation; so, in about three months, there shall be vital change on the highway.
The minister’s response was prompted by a priority by Mityana Municipality MP, Hon. Hon. Francis Zaake who stated the highway from Kampala wanted rapid intervention.
“The Kampala-Mityana highway development began in 2020 and to date it’s not but full, it’s too dusty and is inflicting lots of accidents,” Zaake stated.
Kasaija nonetheless, clarified that solely a part of the Kampala-Mubende highway is in a foul state.
“It just isn’t true that the highway from Busega to Mubende is in a horrible state. I exploit the highway each weekend, the highway from Busega to a spot referred to as Nalutuntu is gorgeous. It is the half from Nalutuntu, Kiganda to Mubende that’s in want of repairs,” stated Kasaija.
Bugiri District Woman Representative, Hon. Agnes Taaka stated that the Kampala – Jinja Road can also be in pressing want of repairs.
“The Kampala-Jinja freeway is crammed with lots of potholes and the upkeep works between Nakawa and Mukono have taken so lengthy. My prayer is that the minister offers an replace on the on-going upkeep works and likewise the upkeep plan for your complete highway,” Taaka stated.
Speaker Among was additionally involved with the delay within the graduation of works on the Kampala-Jinja Expressway whose development was anticipated to begin 5 years in the past.
The Speaker additionally demanded for solutions concerning the bridge connecting Bukedea to Bulambuli District.
“The bridge between Bukedea and Bulambuli doesn’t even want tarmacking; we solely want murram as a result of kids have died and northing has been performed,” Among stated.
Pader District Woman MP, Hon. Paska Aciro stated the roads in East Acholi have change into impassable and irritating enterprise.
“The highway connecting Puranga to Pajule and Acholi-Bur proper now just isn’t satisfactory. The Works Minister ought to direct a group to begin upkeep works particularly on three spots which can be making the highway inaccessible,” Aciro stated.
The Minister of State for Works, Hon. Musa Ecweru pledged to compile an inventory of roads throughout the NRM manifesto that haven’t been labored on and desk it on the subsequent Cabinet assembly
“Cabinet yesterday determined that we make the record of the roads throughout the NRM manifesto that haven’t been labored on. This will point out the difficulties encountered whereas implementing presidential directives on roads,” Ecweru stated.
Ecweru stated that one of many challenges has been securing funds for highway upkeep, a matter he pledged to desk earlier than the Cabinet.
