In a sweeping effort to revolutionize the city's infrastructure, the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative aimed at eradicating potholes from the city's roads by mid-January 2024.
The ambitious commitment follows a significant financial injection, as the African Development Bank allocated a substantial sum of 288 million USD to the government for an extensive road construction and rehabilitation project. Dorothy Kisaka, the Executive Director of KCCA, expressed the city's unwavering dedication to this transformative endeavor, declaring, "We are saying bye to potholes before the end of January next year."
The allocated funds are earmarked for the refurbishment of over 40 roads, covering an extensive 90-kilometer stretch, including major thoroughfares such as Salaama, Portbell, and 6th, 7th, and 8th streets.
Kisaka shed light on the broader strategy, stating, "To enhance traffic flow, we will commence the removal and reconstruction of 27 junctions worth 63 billion shillings immediately."
Addressing environmental concerns, she emphasized the government's commitment to tackling waste management issues, remarking, "New measures for recycling rubbish are already in place to counter the challenges posed by insufficient dumping sites."
Despite these commendable initiatives, KCCA acknowledges persistent challenges, particularly in the areas of poor drainage systems, notably in wetland encroachment, and inadequate waste disposal. Kisaka assured citizens that these issues are actively being addressed with targeted interventions.
Looking ahead to 2024, KCCA has set its sights on streamlining public transportation, recognizing the urgent need for improved systems. The Executive Director outlined the holistic approach, stating, "Our focus on public transport will be paramount in the coming year."
In addition to these transformative initiatives, KCCA disclosed that it had successfully collected a commendable 49.4 billion shillings in taxes during the year 2023.
The authority remains steadfast in its commitment to crafting a cityscape that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also conducive to the well-being of its residents. With the comprehensive plan in full swing, the citizens of Kampala eagerly anticipate bidding farewell to the pothole predicament and witnessing a transformative shift in the city's infrastructure.
