Construction of Hoima-Butiaba-Wanseeko road partly finished

By George Mangula

The pre-handover inspection team of Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) days ago examined and approved the quality of work done on the completed 33.4kilo metre section of the over 110kilo metre Hoima-Butiaba-Wanseeko road construction.

Eng. Chris Manyindo, who headed URA inspection team, commended on the good quality works and compliance, although the official directed the contractor, Chongqing International Construction Corporation (CICO), to fully clear the road reserve, complete the road markings at Kigombya, and the draining channel within a span of two weeks before he could be issued with a completion certificate.

Funded partially by the Government of Uganda and the Exim Bank of China, construction of the over Shs 662.3 billion road project began in April 2018 and is expected to be completed in April 2021.

The physical progress of the entire road works currently stands at approximately 55.7 percent as compared to the planned 63-02 percent. CICO deputy head of the project Eng. Mao Jiawei said the delay was a result of some unavoidable challenges such as the lack of smooth flow of finances and delayed land acquisition process.

Eng. Ronald Olaki the resident engineer said that UNRA had continuously engaged the landowners some of which gave way for the construction of the road and some others who didn’t. He called upon UNRA to fasten the compensation process so as to avoid any future delays.

Mao Jiawei said that the company is committed to ensuring that the road works were completed on time and the road handed over within the contractual period despite the many challenges they are facing.

The Hoima-Butiaba-Wanseeko road is one of the critical oil roads meant to facilitate oil exploration in the Albertine region as well as promoting tourism in areas such as Murchison Falls National Park.