The Special Forces Command (SFC) construction regiment has said it they will deliver quality work and in record time as they carry out maintenance works on Kampala roads.
"We are about 35% of the scope in these two weeks and in terms of areas we are more than 40% in Kampala Central. We are promising to a cost effective, efficient and quality work in record time," Lt Eng. Kikomeko Kigongo, the assistant project manager told the Nile Post in an interview.
President Museveni in May directed KCCA and all other responsible government agencies to work with SFC Construction Regiment headed by Lt Col Eng. Robert Chabo to repair potholes and also carry out road maintenance in Kampala City.
The directive came following an uproar by members of the public over the sorry state of roads in Uganda's capital, with many blaming KCCA for turning a blind eye to the potholes.
To show their discontent, Ugandans took to social media platforms to post photos and videos of roads with potholes and post them online as a way of reminding KCCA about the deplorable state of the city's infrastructure.
According to Lt Eng.Kikomeko, the scope of work they have is doing sectional repairs as well as pothole repairs but in selected areas of Kampala.
He explained that for potholes, they are working on the sub base(if it is affected), base and put asphalt on top whereas for sectional repairs which are bigger areas, they correct the sub base, base and the wearing course(asphalt course).
The roads
The assistant project manager said as part of the agreement, they will be working on Rashid Khamis Road, Nsalo road, Old Kampala ring, Fort Road, School road, Lower Kololo Terrace, K.A.R road, Snay Bin Amir rise, Kiyembe lane, William street, Burton street, Wilson street, Dustur street, Sikh street, Berkeley road, Ginnery road and Boundary road among others in the Central Business District.
Lt Eng.Kikomeko said the agreement was to complete works in 45 days.
"Our cost is shs2 billion. This cost is quite low because we are government using our own equipment and human resource being the army. The labour and equipment are nearly covered."
He explained that they also work during the night but insisted there are activities that must be completed during the day, noting that works are paused during peak hours.
"We pause during peak hours between 6am and 10am and resume after 10am and by 4pm we should be scaling down so as we open to traffic."
Rains affect work
The SFC Construction Regiment assistant project manager decried the heavy rains that he said have had a big toll on the roadworks.
"Having started the work two weeks ago, we have had three or four days of actual work. Being outdoor activities, when it rains, it has repercussions on the work we do. When it rains midway our work, we have to halt until it stops and this way, a lot of time is lost," Lt Eng. Kikomeko said.
The SFC engineers also say that the poor drainage system also affects their work since they have to open the system before working on some of the poorly affected roads.
For example, as the engineers opened Kiyembe road to start work, they realized the entire drainage system was clogged and had to first open it.
"We realized the drainage system right from the Central Police Station was blocked. We therefore had to open it from where it begins until its end. In other cases, we are liasing with KCCA to make sure we can have drainage corrected so we can attend to roads."
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"Some roads are beyond repair and need total reconstruction. When this situation arises, we carry out total reconstruction."
The engineers also say they are affected by the heavy traffic in some parts of the city which delays works.
Lt Eng. Kikomeko however says they have tried to minimize delays on the road works as well as avoid delaying road users.
According to SFC spokesperson, Maj Jimmy Omara, they are confident of finishing the roadworks in record time.
"As SFC, we are committed to accomplishing this task. We have what it takes to have this work done and in time. The challenge of too much rain and traffic on our roads in Kampala shall be overcome by extending our work hours to night," Maj Omara said.
He however urged members of the public and other road users to abide by the temporary restrictions and inconveniences to enable the works be done in time .
"This is for the good of every city dweller."
