UGANDA, Kampala | Real Muloodi News | With the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) undertaking a massive road tarmacking project in the city, commercial building landlords are seizing the opportunity to renovate their properties.
The three-year program, funded by the African Development Bank (ADB) at $288 million, has prompted landlords like David Muwanga in Kabowa, Rubaga Division, to remodel their commercial buildings along Wakulukuku Road, which is one of the projects under construction.
Muwanga explains that they were instructed to repaint their buildings, but some landlords are going beyond that and opting for complete remodelling to align their structures with the ongoing developments.
As water pipes are repositioned from the main road to the sideways, and tarmacking of the roads is scheduled to begin soon, these landlords are keen on upgrading their properties to suit the new urban landscape.
“We were instructed to repaint our buildings. But those who can afford can remodel the structures to suit the current developments. We have seen water pipes being repositioned from the main road to the sideways. Tarmacking of the road will soon start,” Muwanga explains.
In municipalities like Kira, a recent bylaw passed by the council mandates landlords to renovate their buildings.
They are required to repaint their structures, install verandahs, and pavers to create an organised municipality.
“The landlords were ordered to repaint their buildings, install verandahs and pavers. We want to have an organised municipality,” Julius Mutebi, the Mayor of Kira Municipality, says.
While KCCA has not yet passed a similar bylaw, some residents in the Rubaga Division have already taken the initiative to install pavers and verandahs on their commercial buildings.
David Muwanga is among those modifying his commercial building with a trendy shade made from timber and iron sheets, covered with plywood and plastic fascia boards at the front.
Other popular types of shades include iron sheet and concrete shades built with sand, cement, iron bars, and stones. The metallic/iron sheet verandahs are preferred for their ease of fixing and aesthetic appeal.
They offer quicker installation compared to concrete shades, and they are also more resistant to weather damage.
Muhammed Nsereko, an architect, explains that metallic shades have the advantage of being easily fixable and visually appealing.
Additionally, they are more affordable and require simple materials like iron sheets and timber. Fascia boards can further enhance the appearance if the budget permits.
Metallic shades can be installed by professional welders who can accurately calculate the correct measurements.
To improve ventilation, free-standing variations can raise the height of the verandah. Customers today even prefer metallic shades with a rake for added aesthetics.
The type of verandah installed depends on the architectural style of the building. For structures over 10 years old, owners must apply for a permit from KCCA authorities before commencing remodelling work.
Unfortunately, few building owners in Uganda apply for such permits, leading to potential risks and building collapses.
As commercial building landlords in Kampala adapt to the changing urban landscape, they are embracing modern architectural developments with sheds and verandahs.
These remodelling efforts not only enhance the appearance of the buildings but also contribute to creating a more organised and attractive cityscape.
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