UGANDA, Kampala | Real Muloodi News | The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) has announced that substantial progress is expected on the Soroti-Lira-Kamdini Road, a critical section of the Tororo-Kamdini Road.
Under the ambitious North Eastern Road Corridor Asset Management Project (NERAMP), the Ugandan government, with co-funding from the World Bank, is reconstructing this vital transportation link.
Eng Jackson Nawaswa, the contract manager, confirmed that the Soroti-Lira-Kamdini Road, spanning 340 kilometres, is part of the broader Tororo-Kamdini project.
This road corridor, linking the Kenyan border at Malaba through Tororo to the northern and northwestern borders of South Sudan and the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, holds significant economic importance for facilitating the movement of goods and services.
The NERAMP project adopts an innovative output performance-based road contract model, a pilot initiative in Uganda.
With the World Bank contributing 96% of the project’s funding and the Ugandan government providing the remaining 4%, the Soroti-Lira-Kamdini Road is a crucial infrastructure development.
Eng Nawaswa outlined the progress made since the project’s initiation in November 2022. Currently, 20% of the overall work has been accomplished, with a specific focus on the Lira-Kamdini stretch where 20 kilometres of finished pavement has been constructed.
He assured road users that the contractor, Mota-Engil Africa, a Portuguese firm, is fully mobilised for the construction phase.
The contract manager expressed confidence that, by October 31, 2024, the Soroti-Lira-Kamdini section would boast a new road pavement as designed.
Emphasising the transnational significance of the project, Nawaswa highlighted its potential benefits to road users and communities along the corridor.
Local voices, including Ms. Josephine Omara Olili, the Resident District Commissioner of Kole, lauded the government for the initiative.
She acknowledged the transformative impact the rehabilitated road would have on farmers in the Lango Sub-region, enabling easier access to various markets, including Kampala City, Juba, and DR Congo.
Despite the positive developments, Ms Olili cautioned road users to exercise caution, reminding them that improvements come with their own set of challenges.
She urged adherence to road signs and recommended safety practices for a secure and efficient transportation experience.
Taxi driver Moses Eboyu expressed gratitude to the government and the World Bank for co-funding the road rehabilitation, emphasising the remarkable improvement in road conditions.
Truck driver Samuel Gumisiriza also praised the project, highlighting the absence of large humps that could damage vehicles, contributing to a smoother and cost-effective travel experience.
The Tororo-Kamdini road project, a cornerstone of NERAMP, signifies a crucial step in enhancing transportation infrastructure and connectivity in Uganda, fostering economic growth and regional trade.
With the completion of half of the road works anticipated by October 2024, this milestone promises positive outcomes for communities and businesses along the corridor.
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