2024-02-14 23:14:57
For several weeks, the bumpy roads of the Ugandan capital have been the subject of campaigns on social networks, but also of intense political debates. These roads in poor condition would cause Kampala’s economy to lose $1 million per day, according to the capital’s authority, KCCA.
In a video published on the social network X, Ugandans can be seen catching a real fish in a gaping hole in the roadway. Actions denouncing the poor state of the road have increased in recent times, and politicians and civil society organizations have taken up the subject.
Julius Mukunda is the director of the organization, Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group (CSBAG), specializing in economic accountability issues. He evokes a problem on several levels: “ First, there is a lack of know-how and poor planning. We build roads, but we do not plan for their maintenance, he lists. Second, the price of repairs is increasing, partly due to corruption. There is also the question of lack of qualifications to find money. And even when funds are available, we struggle to disburse them. There are also difficulties in collecting taxes. Less recovery means less money available for items like the road network. »
A bleak state of affairs for the authority in charge of roads. The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) is at the heart of this policy. “ We do our best, even to repair potholes, which is not recommended for a road at the end of its life », David Luyimbazi, the deputy director of KCCA, recently defended himself on Ugandan radio. For him, it is not a problem of corruption.
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High cost of asphalting
He prefers to blame structural problems, an aging road network and major budgetary constraints. “ We need to look at the resources dedicated to us. For example, the strategic plan initiated around four years ago. It requires a budget of 1.4 trillion each year. This year we had 550 billion. There is a mismatch between the resources we obtain versus the needs. This gives you an idea of the quality of services you receive! », argues the deputy director of KCCA.
As for the higher cost of asphalting compared to other countries in the region, such as Kenya, the director puts forward the logistical constraints linked to the landlocked nature of Uganda: “ All petroleum products needed for road construction must be transported from Mombasa, he points. We use gravel for the work, but the government does not own the land. It is therefore the market which determines the price of materials. Most equipment must be imported! »
Several loans from international donors dedicated to roads are expected in the coming months and should make it possible to launch road rehabilitation work in the next five years, according to the official. For civil society, the priority is to put in place norms and standards and to fight corruption.
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