Land compensations delaying Govt projects, says Kasaija

Warning civil servants over delaying the implementation of Government projects, Finance Minister, Matia Kasaija, has decried the land compensation challenges, saying they have hindered execution of major road projects.

"We have had enough of this delayed execution of work. There is also the slow or non-absorption of funds. We have had enough of this, and we shall have no more. I want to warn every civil servant that this is a serious matter that must stop," he said.

Kasaija was speaking during the signing of a $20m grant agreement between Government and Japan for the improvement of Gulu municipal council roads.

"We shall ensure that the grant is fully implemented," kasaija said, revealing that the main roadblock to the implementation of road construction projects is land compensation.

"The question of land compensation is really delaying projects. Everybody is claiming compensation, and if they are not compensated the amount they request, they run to courts, which causes more delays. We must really find a solution to this," he said.

The Ambassador of Japan to Uganda, Kazuaki Kameda, said: "Through this project, Japan will finance rehabilitation of roads in Gulu municipality and provide technical assistance for road maintenance."