Construction works along Ben Kiwanuka Road in central Kampala are expected to miss the October 30 completion deadline as contractors struggle to replace ageing sewer lines dating back to the 1940s and 1950s. The 1.4-kilometre road, which runs from the former Clock Tower area through Mini Price and Arua Park to Bombo Road, is being upgraded by a joint venture of Starling and RAM Construction companies under the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA) programme.
Daniel NuweAbine, the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) spokesperson, said the discovery of old sewer infrastructure had complicated the works because the original piping materials were no longer readily available. “The technology of sewer lines that was used in the 1940s and 1950s was stone-welded iron. At the moment, we don’t have that kind of piping on the market,” NuweAbine said.
He explained that cutting existing sewer lines before establishing alternative connections could cause sewage to spill into surrounding areas, creating foul smells and increasing the risk of disease in the city centre. The National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) has developed an interim solution to maintain sewage flow as teams work towards a permanent replacement.
The delays have also affected work on a stormwater drainage system intended to channel runoff from upper Kampala through Ben Kiwanuka Road towards the Nakivubo Channel. The drainage works are expected to ease flooding that has repeatedly affected traders and businesses in downtown Kampala, particularly those operating in arcades. NuweAbine said progress had been made on the stormwater drainage component along Ben Kiwanuka Road and at the beginning of Namirembe Road towards the Nakivubo Channel.
He said recent heavy rains had not adversely affected surrounding buildings because the improved drainage was allowing water to flow freely. “The past heavy rains have not had any effect on the surrounding buildings because the water now flows freely,” he said.
According to NuweAbine, the drainage and sewer works are expected to take another 45 days, based on assurances from the contractors and NWSC teams. The final road surfacing could then take between 15 and 20 days, depending on weather conditions.
He acknowledged that the original October 30 deadline would have to be extended to accommodate the additional underground works. However, traders operating along the road say the prolonged construction is disrupting business by restricting access to their premises and making deliveries difficult.
Joy Kamikazi, a trader in the area, said the trenches dug along the road had made sections impassable to vehicles, preventing customers from reaching shops and suppliers from delivering goods.
Godfrey Zaavuga, a shoeshiner, said dust from the construction site was affecting his work, particularly during dry weather. He appealed to the contractors to regularly sprinkle water on the road to control the dust.
KCCA has appealed to traders and other road users to remain patient as construction continues. The authority says traffic flow has improved following the reopening of some sections of the road, while dust levels have also reduced.
The remaining drainage and sewer works are expected to pave the way for final surfacing and the full reopening of Ben Kiwanuka Road, improving movement for motorists, pedestrians and businesses. Formerly known as South Street, Ben Kiwanuka Road is one of the busiest commercial corridors in Kampala’s Central Business District, serving numerous retail shops, restaurants and arcades. The road is named after Benedicto Kiwanuka, Uganda’s first Prime Minister and a founding member of the Democratic Party-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
