UNRA warns Tororo Cement over roads

Apr 29, 2010

UGANDA National Road Authority (UNRA) has accused Tororo Cement of damaging roads with overloaded trucks.

By Ibrahim Kasita

UGANDA National Road Authority (UNRA) has accused Tororo Cement of damaging roads with overloaded trucks.

“It is evident from our own investigations and from the documents that we have received from your customers that the issue of overloading from your plant and depot in Namanve continues with disregard,” Peter Ssebanakitta, the UNRA boss wrote in an April 10 letter to Tororo Cement general manager.

The letter was copied to the works minister, his permanent secretary and the Inspector General of Police.

“We would like to stress that the suspension of weighbridges does not mean suspension of laws that govern vehicle weights,” the letter added.

The use of weighbridges was suspended over alleged corruption.

In February, the roads body, accused the cement firm of damaging roads and unfair competition.

UNRA observed that Tororo Cement carries 70 tonnes more than the recommended 56-tonne load when transporting its products to Rwanda, Burundi and Southern Sudan.

It pointed out that this is evidenced by the damage on Tororo-Mbale and Tororo-Jinja roads.

It added that the damage to the roads was also manifested outside the Tororo-based factory.

“Should you fail to comply with the provisions of the law, we shall have no option but to request the Inspector General of Police to take action as he deems fit,” the letter continued.
Information indicates that transporters overload to cut costs, gain unfair advantage over competitors and earn more profits.

This situation has made other brands uncompetitive since Tororo Cement distributes in bulk and can reduce prices.

The damage caused by overloaded trucks to roads shortens their lifespan and increases the cost of maintenance.

The roads agency has threatened the cement firm with heavy fines if it does not stop the vice.

“We expect strict compliance with the regulations. If you do not follow the regulations, you will attract heavy penalties,” Ssebanakitta warned in the latest letter.

“We hope you will cooperate in this regard as a way of restoring your corporate image with the public.”

Experts have warned that the current and future financial support to the roads sector will depend on the ability to strictly enforce the axle load rules.

The Government is spending over a trillion shillings annually in maintenance and rehabilitation of roads across the country.

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