Namboole bypass bridge opens

Mar 12, 2009

AT 11:24am, a commuter taxi with passengers from Kireka and a lorry from Bweyogerere, slowly moved along the brand-new road. The vehicles bypassed each other at the newly- constructed exchange bridge.<br>

By Steven Candia

AT 11:24am, a commuter taxi with passengers from Kireka and a lorry from Bweyogerere, slowly moved along the brand-new road. The vehicles bypassed each other at the newly- constructed exchange bridge.

The attention of the onlookers was immediately diverted from the two automobiles, when other motorists in a single straight line on either sides drove smoothly to respective destinations.

Excited passengers stretched out their necks to catch a glimpse of the surroundings.

This symbolised the official opening of the section of the Northern Bypass connecting city suburbs Bweyogerere and Kireka yesterday.
Officials said the ceremony was only for the interchange at Namboole, because the 21km-road was yet to be completed. Most drivers The New Vision interviewed said the opening was a big relief.

“It will save us from the lengthy route round the stadium by reducing fuel consumption and wastage of time,” said a taxi driver.

Moses Musoke, a trader whose retail business at the stretch almost collapsed following the three-year closure, said it was time to bounce back.

“Even though it is long overdue, I am glad it has finally happened,” said Musoke. “Businesses of my colleagues who could not find alternatives collapsed completely.”

At the beginning of the project, it had been anticipated that work on the section would be completed in one year, but it dragged on.

The Uganda National Roads Authority spokesman, Dan Kitakule Alinange, acknowledged it was long overdue.

“It, however, shows that there is a ray of hope at the end of the tunnel,” he said.

Alinange said the road would reduce traffic congestion in the area.
Alinange said focus would now be on the main carriage.

“What is remaining is putting the final layer and hopefully it should be over in 12 to 15 weeks. By June–July, the whole project should have been completed.

Alinange said the opening of the 1.5km stretch did not mean that the contractors had handed over the road to the Government.

“It will not be handed over until after one year, when the defects liability period is over,” he said.

He explained that during the period, the Government would look out for defects which the contractor will have to fix.

In attendance was Chris Kamukama, the spokesperson for Salini, the contractors and Kampala traffic boss, Lauben Mbamanya said.

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