The Monitor (Kampala)
Andrew Nkurunziza
4 November 2009
opinion
It's more than two weeks since the Northern Bypass was opened leading to a lot of excitement. But beyond the excitement, one sees serious problems which if not given immediate attention, might become a disaster.
One of the problems is that many motorists have turned the Bypass into a race-track as they hardly observe the specified speed limit. The failure to observe speed limit has already resulted in several accidents and many lives lost.
There is no guarantee to the safety of all users of the Bypass especially at night. The situation is made worse by the absence of lights both at the Bypass roundabouts and all through the stretch.
There is also serious flooding on the Bypass especially in the areas of Bwaise, Nansana and Lubiigi Swamp. Area residents have accused the contractors for filling the stretch across the swamp with merely marrum. Others claim that the drainage system in these areas is very narrow - something that leads runoffs overflowing into people's homes.
Another problem is with the narrowness of the Bypass. While the road was meant to handle heavy vehicles, it is amazing how narrow it's at some sections including atNalya and Bwaise roundabouts. Residents along the Bypass also face the problem of noise pollution. What used to be quite and serene stretch has been turned into noisy neighbourhood.
However, we shouldn't forget that the Bypass has added value to the communities living along road stretch. For example, the Bypass has greatly improved the mobility of persons and goods. It's now possible to drive from Busega to Bweyogerere without necessarily going through the city centre.
And big and small business on the Bypass route are greatly benefitting as a result of their location. Small markets, shops and street vendors are now a common feature along the Bypass. Besides, the market value of land along the road has skyrocketed.
Meanwhile, there is need to improve the situation further. First, the entire Bypass stretch should have lights especially at roundabouts. Installing lights will greatly reduce the level of crime that has been on the rise on the Bypass lately.
The number of traffic police officers as well as police patrol should be deployed on the road monitor and guarantee safety to users. Their presence will also help restrain motorists from reckless driving as well as boost security. Part of the reasons why motorists speed is because of traffic officers are thin on this road.
Regarding noise pollution, trees should be planted along the Bypass to act as noise deterrents. Fast growing trees like eucalyptus should be planted because they will help kill two birds with one stone - act as noise deterrent and reduce soil erosion on the edges of the Bypass.
Humps should also be built at various sections of the Bypass with the aim of checking speeding by motorists. Given that the stretch is generally narrow and has many sharp bends, speeding should be the last thing in the mind of motorists.
Otherwise, the Bypass is a welcome addition to the nation's road network and with it, we should all expect are better times ahead.
Mr Nurunziza is an urban planner
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