Jinja Roads Get Shs83 Billion Overhaul After Years of Neglect

Jinja City is embarking on a major infrastructure upgrade, with a Shs82.88 billion project set to rehabilitate and improve 13.82 kilometers of roads. This initiative marks a crucial turning point for the city’s road network, which has suffered from years of neglect.

The first phase of the ambitious project will focus on several key roads, including Ripon, Narambai, Oboja, Nile Crescent, Kirinya, Kyabazinga, Elgon Close, Kisinja Close, Nile Avenue, and Gokhale roads. The project is being undertaken through a pre-financing arrangement with Abubaker Technical Services and General Suppliers Ltd., who will fund the initial works before being reimbursed by the government.

During the project’s launch, Jinja Mayor Abdulhafidh Nagaya highlighted the extensive public outcry that led to the government’s allocation for road improvements. Jinja Assistant City Clerk John Choli Goloba noted that the city’s road network spans approximately 800 kilometers, with about 205 kilometers in the central business district, and that upgrading a single kilometer can cost between Shs4 billion and Shs6 billion.

Construction is scheduled to begin imminently on Ripon and Owen roads, chosen for their critical role in drainage and their impact on surrounding areas. While the contract allows for six years, the contractor aims to complete the works within approximately three years. Government officials have pledged oversight to ensure quality and timely completion, while also urging residents to cooperate with the contractor and protect construction materials.

This extensive roadwork is part of a phased government plan to enhance urban infrastructure. Future phases are planned for the Northern Division, with additional projects potentially funded by programs like the World Bank’s USMID initiative. Residents are asked for patience as the city undergoes this significant transformation.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)