The rehabilitation of the Kampala-Namanve railway is in its final stages, albeit three months behind the initial schedule.
The Uganda Railways Corporation (URC) spokesperson, John Linonn Sengendo, attributes the delay to unforeseen circumstances.
Initially set for completion in September, the project faced challenges such as resistance from encroachers unwilling to vacate the land needed for the works. Additionally, heavy rains, clashes with other government agencies involved in road rehabilitation, and the unexpectedly demanding nature of the works contributed to the delay.
Sengendo says as the final stretch at Mukwano Road railway crossing begins, URC aims to meet the revised deadline of December.
He says that the railway crossing will be temporarily closed from December 1 to 16, 2023, for the necessary works. A temporary diversion route for light vehicles, motorcycles, and pedestrians will be established to minimize traffic disruptions.
The completion of some level crossings experienced delays due to various reasons, including interference from road works by other agencies. URC expressed concerns about unauthorized digging on their embankment to lay cables, warning that any such cables found would be removed, and equipment confiscated.
The construction progress, including laying clips and rails, has reached Nakawa, with the Nakawa-Namboole stretch awaiting the laying of ballast. Concrete sleepers are being used instead of steel ones for greater durability and resistance to vandalism.
Despite the progress, URC acknowledges that the delays have increased the project’s cost. The next phase involves the Namanve-Mukono reconstruction, set to begin next year and implemented by the Spanish firm Imathia Construction at a cost of about 101 billion shillings.
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