Hoima-Kampala taxi drivers decry vehicle damage caused by roadworks
Kayila added that the approach would enable drivers to travel with fewer delays as construction progresses.
Hoima: Taxi drivers plying the Hoima-Kampala highway have raised concerns over vehicle damage, dust and traffic delays caused by ongoing road construction works being undertaken by Abubaker Technical Services.
The drivers say loose road aggregates and dust generated by the construction works are increasing vehicle maintenance costs, reducing their daily earnings and inconveniencing motorists using the busy highway.
In an interview with this publication, Hoima-Kampala taxi stage chairperson John Atuhayirwe said they support the rehabilitation of the highway but want the contractor to improve the management of the works to minimise losses and disruptions.
“We support the ongoing road rehabilitation, but the contractor should ensure that the construction works are managed in a way that minimises damage to our vehicles and inconvenience to road users,” Atuhayirwe said.
He explained that loose stones on the road are damaging vehicle tyres, forcing taxi operators to spend more money on repairs and reducing their daily income.
Atuhayirwe called on the contractor to adopt a phased approach by concentrating on shorter sections, completing them before moving to other stretches instead of opening up long sections that take considerable time to finish.
Taxi driver James Byaluhanga also expressed concern over dust generated by the construction works, saying it inconveniences motorists and other road users while slowing down traffic.
Another driver, James Kayila, said completing shorter sections at a time would minimise traffic disruptions and reduce motorists’ exposure to dust and loose aggregates.
Kayila added that the approach would enable drivers to travel with fewer delays as construction progresses.
However, Abubaker Technical Services Public Relations Officer Deus Tukamuhebwa said the contractor was working within a specified timeframe, which had necessitated construction activities along longer stretches of the highway.
Tukamuhebwa said the company had deployed water bowsers to spray water on the road in the morning and evening to control dust.
He also raised concerns about motorists who disregard road signs and speed restrictions, saying such behaviour could contribute to vehicle damage, including tyre damage.
Tukamuhebwa urged drivers to observe road signs, adhere to speed limits and follow traffic regulations to protect their vehicles and ensure safety during the construction works.
The concerns come as road users continue to navigate the ongoing rehabilitation works along the Hoima-Kampala highway, with taxi operators calling for measures that will allow construction to proceed while minimising disruptions to transport services and motorists.
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