Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has warned utility companies against installing overhead internet cables along newly upgraded roads, insisting that service providers must use underground ducts provided as part of the road infrastructure.
The warning was issued by KCCA Deputy Executive Director Benon Kigenyi on Friday during an inspection of ongoing road construction projects across Kampala, where he assessed progress and raised concerns about practices that could undermine investments in the city’s road network.
At Mukalazi Road, in Kawempe division the Deputy Executive Director confronted utility workers found installing overhead internet cables despite the provision of utility ducts along the road.
He directed the company to stop the works and use the designated ducts, making it clear that road infrastructure should not be compromised by service providers who disregard the city’s planning requirements.
His intervention underscored KCCA’s determination to ensure that newly constructed roads are protected from unnecessary excavation, unsightly overhead cables and repeated damage caused by uncoordinated utility installations.
“We have provided utility ducts for these services. There is no reason for companies to continue putting cables on poles when the infrastructure to accommodate them has already been provided,” was the message conveyed during the inspection.
The inspection covered several road projects, including Mackinnon Road, Mukalazi Road, Muganzilwaza Road, Katelemwa Road and Kyebando 34X Road, as KCCA continues to invest in improving Kampala’s road network, drainage, pedestrian facilities and overall urban mobility.
On Muganzilwaza and Mukalazi roads, being implemented under the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Programme (GKMA-UDP), the upgraded infrastructure will go beyond providing smoother roads for motorists.
The designs include dedicated cycling lanes and pedestrian walkways measuring 1.5 metres on either side of the roads.
The improvements will also include street lighting, drainage and other supporting facilities intended to make the roads safer and more accessible to all categories of road users.
Kigenyi emphasised the importance of preparing the public to embrace the new road facilities, particularly the proper use of cycling lanes and the need for motorists to respect the space allocated to cyclists and pedestrians.
At Mackinnon Road, being undertaken by Dott Services, the inspection focused on improvements to the drainage system, a critical component in ensuring the durability of the road and managing stormwater.
Kigenyi also visited the Katelemwa Road works, off Gayaza Road, where construction teams are undertaking challenging works, including the management of an existing water main and rock blasting to clear difficult sections of the alignment.
On Kyebando 34X Road, contractors are approaching a significant stage after navigating difficult construction conditions, with preparations under way for the pavement layers. The team expects the works on this road to be completed within the next 46 days. By Geofrey Mutegeki Araali, Communication and Media Relations Officer. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
