UNRA speaks out on delayed completion of Biiso-Masindi oil road
She also mentioned budget constraints but assured that UNRA can intervene where necessary and mobilize resources to maintain the roads.
Masindi: In 2019, the government of Uganda contracted China Railway Seventh Group Co. Ltd to construct five of the critical oil roads, including a 47-kilometer Biiso-Masindi road.
The project, initially contracted to China Railway Seventh Group Co. Ltd. and subcontracted to STC, was supposed to be completed in 2022. However, due to multiple extensions and financial issues, the road remains unfinished.
The contractor reportedly abandoned the project due to arrears amounting to 120 billion shillings.
During a recent meeting with Masindi leaders, Allen Catherine Kagina, the Executive Director of the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), assured the public that the road will be completed despite the financial challenges.
She mentioned that the construction is currently around 71% complete. Kagina also highlighted the deployment of a second ferry at Masindi Port to help decongest traffic on alternative routes, including the Biiso-Masindi road.
Additionally, Kagina disclosed plans to construct a bridge at Masindi Port to connect it to Apac and other parts of the Lango subregion, with funds already secured from the Islamic Development Bank.
‘’We have deployed a second ferry at Masindi Port to decongest traffic on other alternative routes, including Biiso-Masindi Road, as the government plans to construct a bridge at Masindi Port to connect it to Apac and other parts of the Lango subregion.’’
The LCV Chairman, Cosmas Byaruhanga, has highlighted the need for tarmacking major roads in the town, noting that rural roads are in better condition compared to those in the town.
He specifically mentioned roads like Kijura-Kabalye Police Training School, Kirasa-Kampala Road, and Market Street-Nyagahya Road.
Kagina, however, responded by saying that while UNRA has gazetted certain roads, the district leadership should formally request the transport ministry and UNRA to take over additional roads.
She also mentioned budget constraints but assured that UNRA can intervene where necessary and mobilize resources to maintain the roads.
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