The pre-handover inspection team of the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) has examined and approved the quality of work done on the completed 33.4km section of the 111km Hoima-Butiaba-Wanseeko road construction.
Led by Eng. Chris Manyindo the team commended on the good quality works and compliance but directed the contractor, Chongqing International Construction Corporation (CICO), to do some polishing work, particularly, to fully clear the road reserve, complete the road markings at Kigombya, and the draining channel within a span of two weeks before he could be issued with a completion certificate.
The Hoima-Butiaba-Wanseeko road project
Funded partially by the Government of Uganda and the Exim Bank of China, the over US$ 179M Hoima-Butiaba-Wanseeko road project broke grounds in April 2018 and is due to be completed in April 2021.
The physical progress of the entire road works now stands at approximately 55.7% as compared to the planned 63-02%. CICO deputy head of the project Eng. Mao Jiawei explained that the delay was a result of some unavoidable challenges including cash flow issues and land acquisition.
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In regards to land acquisition, Eng. Ronald Olaki the resident engineer said that UNRA had continuously engaged the landowners some of which gave way for the construction of the road and some others who didn’t. He urged the authority to fasten the compensation process so as to avoid any future complications.
CICO’s Eng. Mao Jiawei affirmed that the company is committed to ensuring that the road works were completed on time and the road handed over within the contractual period despite the many challenges they are facing.
The Hoima-Butiaba-Wanseeko road is one of the critical oil roads forming a major backbone to the infrastructure meant to facilitate oil exploration in the Albertine region as well as tourism due to proximity of high-interest areas such as Murchison Falls National Park.
