KABALE – The construction of the 15.1-kilometer Kabale-Bunyonyi road is set to commence in January 2024, according to the State Minister of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, Honorable David Bahati.
Minister Bahati, who also serves as the Ndorwa West County Member of Parliament, revealed that the anticipated cost of the construction works is over 250 billion. The procurement process has been completed, and Minister Bahati is optimistic about the project starting in January.
Despite the positive outlook, Minister Bahati acknowledged a delay in the procurement process. He disclosed the government’s ongoing efforts to amend procurement laws, aiming for a smoother and more expeditious procurement process nationwide.
Minister Bahati emphasized the need for timely infrastructure development, citing the example of the Lake Bunyonyi road, where funds were secured in 2018, a financing agreement was signed in 2020, yet construction had not commenced by 2023.
“In the case of Lake Bunyonyi road, we secured a loan in 2018, signed a financing agreement in 2020, but now in 2023, the road has not started. The money is there, and we may be incurring charges while the road remains untouched. It is crucial that we carefully review the procurement process, amend necessary laws, and expedite the process to prevent such delays that hinder development,” Minister Bahati remarked.
Regarding the Katuna-Muko road, Minister Bahati reported that the government had requested advanced procurement, with the African Development Bank (ADB) granting advance procurement no objection. He anticipated that the procurement advertisement would be released in January, marking the beginning of the process.
Minister Bahati highlighted the significance of developing roads in the region, emphasizing their role in promoting tourism and harnessing the abundant resources, such as iron ore. He underscored the need for infrastructure development to stimulate economic growth and overall development in the area.
“Investing in the development of roads in the region will contribute to promoting tourism and tapping into abundant resources, including iron ore. It is crucial for the progress of the area,” Minister Bahati stated.
CUE IN MINISTER BAHATI…..ON ROADS……RR/ENG//
