Centenary Park row a wakeup call

Oct 26, 2020

In other countries, land for public utilities is kept intact because compensation to private developers can be costly. It is not the first time the project has been delayed.

There was a standoff on Friday, October 23 involving the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) and proprietors of Nnalongo Estates that had acquired a lease to run a business on Centenary Park, in Kampala.

The dispute was over the demarcation of land for the flyover project which was due to be completed this year.

While Sarah Kizito, the proprietor of Nnalongo Estates Limited, claims only two of the five acres are needed for the project, UNRA says they need about four acres.

It is unfortunate that such a mega project is being delayed by wrangles over land which ordinarily should belong to the Government.

But Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) officials are partly to blame for signing a bad contract giving away the greenbelt.

This is a wakeup call on government officials who are in charge of government resources to take reasonable care.

Over years, the Government has lost chunks of city greenbelts and another prime land. We only hope that what UNRA has acquired will be used for the flyover project and not for other individual benefits.

In other countries, land for public utilities is kept intact because compensation to private developers can be costly. It is not the first time the project has been delayed.

Earlier, the Clock Tower section was also hit by controversy. This followed a dispute between Africa Muslim Community Juma sect of Natete and businessman Hassan Basajjabalaba over ownership of the eleven-acre land.

We should look at the benefits of the project. The project will ease traffic flow in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area. It will also lead to faster daily commuting for the residents of Kampala and neighbouring districts.

The other important benefit is that it will improve the safety of the pedestrians, who will use the pedestrian bridges.

As is required under the law, Nnalongo Estates can be compensated for her developments, although it was initially clear there shouldn't be permanent structures. We should all support the construction of the flyover to improve our city infrastructure.

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