Construction of Roads in Busia Stall Over Construction of Structures in Road Reserve
Written by admin on October 13, 2021
The construction of two roads in Busia Municipality under Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development- USMID have stalled over the construction of several structures on the roads reserves.
Construction of the 3 Kilometers roads that started month has since stalled on the 0.27 Kilometers- Kms Wanyama Bony road, and 0.65 Kms Ekaka road after residents constructed residential houses, wall fences on the road reserve. The owners of the structures are demanding compensation before works can proceed.
Paul Wabwire, the Busia Municipal Engineer says that the buildings on the road reserves have hindered the road works. He says that the contractor, Dott Services had planned to demolish the structures, but the owners refused.
Wabwire asked the local leaders to first sensitize residents to understand the project and allow the contractor to proceed and demolish the buildings.
Peter Oluka, the Busia Municipality physical planner attributed the challenge to failure to put in place a physical plan and as a result, authorities are now struggling to control the unplanned and uncoordinated physical developments taking place especially in the urban areas.
According to Oluka, most of the old buildings on the road reserves were constructed in the late 1980s.
Oluka says that they have come up with a new 20-year physical plan that will help the authorities make informed decisions affecting the social, economic, and physical growth of the municipality.
Sadiq Amin Agele, the Busia Municipality Mayor says that they are in discussions with the owners of the structures and the responses are so far positive.
