Motorists warned off incomplete Kla-Ebb Expressway

(Photo credit: Nicholas Oneal)

KAMPALA - The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) has warned motorists to desist from using the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway which is still under construction. 

Eager to beat the sometimes unforgiving traffic jam on Entebbe road, some motorists are using parts of the expressway.

"The expressway is under construction and we regard it as a construction site for now until works are fully complete. It is therefore not safe for vehicular traffic. 

"We can imagine, the need to use it is an overbearing feeling for the motorists but we call for patience until the road is handed over," Allan Ssempebwa, UNRA's media relations manager, told the New Vision.

Some concerned members of the public have accused workers on the expressway of colluding with these motorists. UNRA has instructed China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) to get a grip on the situation.

"The responsibility to ensure the facility is cordoned off is a preserve of the contractor; the contractor should ensure enough safety measures like barriers and signs are in place," Ssempebwa says.

The 51-kilometre long Kampala-Entebbe Expressway is tentatively scheduled for completion in November 2017.

The project, with a spur to Munyonyo, will comprise construction of a four-lane dual carriageway of a 37.23km road connecting Kampala-Northern Bypass at Busega with the existing Kampala-Entebbe road at Abayita Abababiri (Impala).

Another 14.13 km road will connect Munyonyo through Lweza.