The Prime Minister, Dr Ruhakana Rugunda, has said all obstacles delaying progress on the Kampala- Entebbe expressway should be expeditiously addressed to ensure that the project is completed on time. Dr Rugunda said any delays in the completion of the project will be costly to the country adding that issues such as land compensations and relocation of burial grounds must be quickly handled.
The Premier made these remarks during the inspection tour of the expressway project on Thursday. “The system must expeditiously deal with the obstacles such as relocating tombs so that decent reburial is done and work goes on uninterrupted,” said Rugunda. He said quality and timely delivery of work were fundamental in this project, adding that quick delivery of infrastructure was critical for the development of Uganda.
Thanking China Communication Construction Company (CCCC) for the good work so far done, he urged them to ensure that the quality of works is not compromised. Rugunda also hailed the existing relationship between China and Uganda, saying China has been very supportive in the construction of critical infrastructure for the country.
Works and Transport Minister Eng. John Byabagambi said Kampala Entebbe Expressway was one of the landmark projects in the country expected to be completed in 2018, adding that 42% of the work was already complete. The Chinese Ambassador to Uganda, Zhao Yali, said China was ready to continue supporting Uganda to achieve its development goals, adding that China strongly values her relationship with Uganda.
The $476 million Kampala-Entebbe expressway project is funded by a $350 million loan from the Export- Import Bank of China and the Government of Uganda. The four lane dual carriage way which starts at Busega and ends at Entebbe Airport with a spur to Munyonyo has four major interchanges to facilitate interconnections with roads at Busega, Kajjansi, Abayita Ababiri and Lweza. The Expressway also has 18 underpasses, 18 over bridges to ensure closed access to the system and 3 toll plazas for toll collection.
The Premier was accompanied by the Finance Minister, Matia Kasaija, Lands Minister, Daudi Migereko, State Minister for Ethics and Integrity, Simon Lokodo and State Minister for Animal industry, Bright Rwamirama together with their technical staff.
