MASAKA-Authorities in Masaka city want government to provide more funds for the maintenance of roads constructed under the Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development Programme [ USMID ] funded by the World Bank.
Masaka, one of ten municipalities that were elevated to city status in July 2020, has benefited from USMID where 11 roads have been constructed and installed with streetlights as well as the planting of grass and flowers for beautification.
The Masaka city clerk, Geoffrey Bamanyisa said in cluster 5, batch II, Masaka city received Shs 33.4 billion for the construction of 594 kilometres of roads, which started on May 12, 2021, with completion of the roads expected by September 30, 2022.
However, leaders in the city are worried about the lack of funds for the maintenance of the new roads and related infrastructure.
The Shs 33.4 bln contract was awarded to Wu-Yi Company LTD to construct roads which include Katwe bypass (0.6kms), Baines Terrace [0.39kms], Birch Avenue [0.11kms], Alexander road [0.47km], Hill road [1.4kms] and Broadway, Edward Avenue, Jethabhai road, Alex Ssebowa road among others and about 1000 solar-powered street-lights have been installed as part of the contract.
Masaka city mayor, Florence Namayanja said the city currently covers a stretch of 650kms of roads, adding that the government funding for road maintenance is below Shs 1bln annually.
She added: “We are worried about the sustainability of the roads and streetlights because our city council is lacking money for the maintenance of the project.”
She said the city needs maintenance funds to ensure that roads and streetlights are maintained, adding that the city lacks lights on some streets.
Namayanja said this at a meeting with officials from the Ministry of Lands ministry, shortly after the inspection of the drainage system, walkways, parking slots, and street lighting under the USMID programme.
USMID programme coordinator, Isaac Mutenyo said he was impressed with the construction works of the roads in Masaka city. Other roads still under construction include; Barracks road, Kyewalyanga /Nalubaale Street, Villa road, Nyendo Market Circular road, Villa Road, and Nyendo–Kitovu road.
The USMID programme in Uganda is being implemented by the Lands ministry. It was designed to enhance the institutional performance of municipal councils and some cities to improve urban service delivery.
https://thecooperator.news/poor-roads-hindering-growth-of-tourism-sector-in-elgon-districts/
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