Kampala Lord Mayor Engineer Ronald Balimwezo has warned companies contracted to rehabilitate roads in the city against delays and substandard work, saying contractors who fail to deliver risk having their contracts terminated.
Balimwezo issued the warning while inspecting several roads currently under rehabilitation, including Nsambya-Kabalagala Road and other roads across the city. He was accompanied by members of his team to assess the progress of the ongoing works.
The Lord Mayor expressed concern after finding that some contractors had made little or no progress on roads they were contracted to rehabilitate.
"We cannot continue tolerating companies that take contracts and then abandon the work. If they cannot deliver, their contracts should be terminated without delay."
Keep up with the latest headlines on WhatsApp | LinkedIn
Among the companies contracted by KCCA is Quadral C, which was awarded road rehabilitation works covering Nsambya, Kabalagala, Mpererwe, Kiteezi and other areas.
However, Balimwezo criticised the company for taking on numerous road projects and subsequently failing to execute them within the agreed timelines.
"It is disappointing that one company was given so many roads, yet some of these roads have been abandoned. KCCA should not give this company an extension of time if it has failed to perform."
He further urged KCCA to closely monitor contractors and ensure that roads are not unnecessarily closed for prolonged periods when little work is being done.
"People cannot continue suffering because roads are closed while contractors are working at a very slow pace. I urge KCCA officials and contractors to closely supervise these works and ensure that Kampala residents are not made to suffer."
Another company cited during the inspection was China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), which was contracted to rehabilitate Salaama Road and other junctions in Kampala.
Balimwezo said similar concerns had been observed on some of the projects, where roads had been closed despite limited progress.
The Lord Mayor called on KCCA to avoid awarding too many road projects to a single contractor, saying this can lead to delays and increased traffic congestion in the city.
"KCCA should stop giving all the road contracts to one company. When these contractors close several roads at the same time and fail to complete the work, they create unnecessary traffic jams and inconvenience for Kampala residents."
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
He also urged KCCA to consider contractors' performance when awarding future contracts.
"If a contractor fails to perform, that contractor should not be given another road contract. We need companies that can deliver quality work within the agreed time."
Balimwezo said Kampala residents deserve roads that are completed within the agreed timelines and to the required standards.
"A road that was supposed to last three years should not be in such a poor state after only five years. This directly affects the people of Kampala."
