UGANDA, Kampala | Real Muloodi News | The installation of street lights along the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway (KEE) has begun, marking a significant step in improving the safety and security of motorists on Uganda’s only toll road.
The project, implemented by Egis, a French company contracted by the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), aims to illuminate the entire 49-kilometre, four-lane toll expressway.
Egis, responsible for traffic management, expressway lighting, security, road safety enforcement, toll collection, road maintenance, and emergency response, was awarded the contract in 2021.
Egis had initially planned to install the lights within the first six months of their contract. However, due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent disruption of global supply chains, the project faced delays.
Earlier this year, Works Minister Gen. Katumba Wamala informed Parliament about the reasons for the delay.
Poor lighting along the expressway has been identified as a contributing factor to road accidents. The installation of full expressway lighting is expected to enhance visibility for road users at night, thereby increasing safety and security.
In a brief statement, KEE announced that the installation of lighting poles had commenced. The project aims to achieve better visibility and improved safety for all road users.
KEE urged motorists to follow traffic signs and instructions during the installation period to avoid accidents or delays. While the lighting project is underway, vandalism of road furniture remains a major challenge on the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway.
Members of Parliament (MPs) recently called on UNRA to develop strategic and punitive measures to tackle vandalism on the expressway. One proposed solution involves using alternative construction materials that are less attractive to vandals.
Eng. Joseph Otim, the Director of Road Maintenance at UNRA, highlighted that the fencing along the expressway has been the most frequently vandalised.
Out of the total fencing section measuring 44,386 meters, approximately 68.9 per cent, equivalent to 30,588.68 meters, has been vandalised. Eng. Otim attributed the increase in vandalism to the demand for metal scrap, which is used as raw material for steel products.
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