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Gen. Katumba, the Minister for Works and Transport, has shed light on the delays surrounding the Kampala-Jinja Expressway and Kampala Southern Bypass project, citing ongoing negotiations between the government and project donors as the primary cause.
The project, set to be developed under a Public-Private Partnership arrangement spanning over 30 years, hinges on finalizing terms and conditions between the parties involved. It will follow a Design-Build-Finance-Operate-and-Transfer (DBFOT) model forming the basis of the concession agreement.
Although this delay has caused anticipation among residents and travelers along the route, John Bosco Ssejjemba, the Ministry of Works’ director of road infrastructure, urged patience, emphasizing the complexity of negotiations involving multiple stakeholders.
Land acquisition along the project route continues, and discussions are ongoing regarding the necessary documentation for the private developer. Four companies are under consideration for the project, though specific names were not disclosed.
The Kampala-Jinja Expressway and Kampala Southern Bypass project, spanning 76km, aims to alleviate congestion along the existing Kampala-Jinja highway and parts of Kampala city. Additionally, it will enhance connectivity along the Northern Corridor, crucial for international trade.
The project, divided into two phases, includes construction of expressways, flyovers, interchanges, and toll gates, with completion expected within five years. Phase one covers the 35km Kampala-Jinja Expressway from Kampala to Namagunga and the 18km Kampala Southern Bypass, while phase two extends from Namagunga to Njeru, totaling 41km.
With an estimated cost of US$1.1 billion, the project’s Environmental and Social Impact Assessment suggests substantial benefits upon completion, enhancing transportation infrastructure and facilitating regional trade.
Source:Ankole Times