Construction of Biiso-Masindi Road resumes after four-month halt
She acknowledged budget constraints but assured that UNRA would intervene where necessary and mobilize resources to maintain the roads.
Masindi: The construction of the Biiso-Masindi road has officially resumed following a four-month suspension due to the contractor’s abandonment over 120 billion shillings in unpaid dues.
Originally contracted to China Railway Seventh Group Co. Ltd in 2019 and later subcontracted to STC, the project was expected to be completed by 2022. However, financial difficulties and multiple extensions have left the road unfinished.
Local leaders are calling on the government to prioritize payments to the contractor to ensure timely completion of the 47-kilometer road.
Julius Kyahurwa, LC3 Chairman of Budongo Sub County, raised safety concerns regarding hazardous spots, particularly at Nyabigoma and Bwinamira. Similarly, Sapline Balyebuga, LC3 Chairperson of Kabango Town Council, emphasized the urgent need for prompt payments to maintain progress.
Kiiza Kenneth Nyendwoha, the Member of Parliament for Bujenje County, reported that the government has released 15 billion shillings of the 120 billion owed and is expected to provide additional funding soon.
He noted that delays in infrastructure projects have significant negative impacts on local communities and urged the contractor to adhere to the completion timeline.
In a recent meeting with Masindi leaders, Allen Catherine Kagina, 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 and highlighted the deployment of a second ferry at Masindi Port to help reduce traffic congestion on alternative routes, including the Biiso-Masindi road.
Plans to construct a bridge at Masindi Port, connecting it to Apac and other parts of the Lango subregion, have also been secured through funding from the Islamic Development Bank.
Masindi district LCV Chairman Cosmas Byaruhanga stressed the need for tarmacking major roads in the town, noting that rural roads are currently in better condition than those in urban areas. Roads such as Kijura-Kabalye Police Training School, Kirasa-Kampala Road, and Market Street-Nyagahya Road were specifically mentioned.
Kagina responded that while UNRA has identified certain roads for development, district leadership should formally request the transport ministry and UNRA to take over additional roads. She acknowledged budget constraints but assured that UNRA would intervene where necessary and mobilize resources to maintain the roads.
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