Northern Bypass work intensifies
Mar 11, 2007
THE constructors of the 21-kilometre Northern Bypass have since Monday been working day and night in an effort to beat the November 15 deadline. At night, the workers use generator-powered floodlights and are guarded by armed special Police constables.
By Chris Kiwawulo
THE constructors of the 21-kilometre Northern Bypass have since Monday been working day and night in an effort to beat the November 15 deadline. At night, the workers use generator-powered floodlights and are guarded by armed special Police constables.
They have in the past week been concentrating on the basement of the fly-over bridge that is being erected at Bwaise, on Bombo road.
The Road Agency Formation Unit spokesperson, Dan Alinange, said the effort was not just about the deadline but possible penalties arising due to failure to beat it.
He anticipated that with more imported machines and the conducive dry season, work would move faster. The contractors have been complaining that flooding in wetland areas like Bwaise delays their work.
Salini Constructori, an Italian firm, is the major contractor while Spencon Services Limited and Stirling Civil Engineering Companies are sub-contractors.
Meanwhile, the contractors have urged the Police to crackdown on employees who siphon fuel. An official who preferred anonymity said some people connive with their drivers and steal the fuel meant to run trucks and machines.
“We have already reported the matter to Police and they are investigating,†the official said, adding that it had nothing to do with the delay of the work.
The New Vision has observed that some truck drivers stop on the way to their destinations and transfer fuel into jerrycans using plastic water pipes.
They pass the jerrycans to accomplices who sell the fuel and they share proceeds.
Alinange noted that the problem was widespread and was increasing the costs of road construction.
THE constructors of the 21-kilometre Northern Bypass have since Monday been working day and night in an effort to beat the November 15 deadline. At night, the workers use generator-powered floodlights and are guarded by armed special Police constables.
They have in the past week been concentrating on the basement of the fly-over bridge that is being erected at Bwaise, on Bombo road.
The Road Agency Formation Unit spokesperson, Dan Alinange, said the effort was not just about the deadline but possible penalties arising due to failure to beat it.
He anticipated that with more imported machines and the conducive dry season, work would move faster. The contractors have been complaining that flooding in wetland areas like Bwaise delays their work.
Salini Constructori, an Italian firm, is the major contractor while Spencon Services Limited and Stirling Civil Engineering Companies are sub-contractors.
Meanwhile, the contractors have urged the Police to crackdown on employees who siphon fuel. An official who preferred anonymity said some people connive with their drivers and steal the fuel meant to run trucks and machines.
“We have already reported the matter to Police and they are investigating,†the official said, adding that it had nothing to do with the delay of the work.
The New Vision has observed that some truck drivers stop on the way to their destinations and transfer fuel into jerrycans using plastic water pipes.
They pass the jerrycans to accomplices who sell the fuel and they share proceeds.
Alinange noted that the problem was widespread and was increasing the costs of road construction.