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The construction of the 15.1-kilometer Kabale-Bunyonyi road is scheduled to start in January 2024, as announced by the State Minister of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, Honorable David Bahati. Minister Bahati, also the Ndorwa West County Member of Parliament, disclosed that the estimated cost for the construction exceeds 250 billion. Despite a delay in the procurement process, Minister Bahati expressed optimism about the project commencing in January.
Acknowledging the delay in procurement, Minister Bahati revealed ongoing government efforts to amend procurement laws for a more efficient nationwide process. He stressed the importance of timely infrastructure development, using the example of the Lake Bunyonyi road where funds were secured in 2018, a financing agreement signed in 2020, yet construction had not started 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 emphasized.
Regarding the Katuna-Muko road, Minister Bahati reported that the government had requested advanced procurement, with the African Development Bank (ADB) granting advance procurement with no objection. He anticipated the release of the procurement advertisement in January, marking the beginning of the process.
Minister Bahati underscored the significance of developing roads in the region, highlighting their role in promoting tourism and harnessing abundant resources, such as iron ore. He emphasized the need for infrastructure development to stimulate economic growth and overall progress 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.
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