Kampala Roads: Flooded Potholes Disrupt City Life Amidst Delayed Repairs

Kampala residents faced significant inconvenience on Thursday as a large pothole near the busy Shell Capital junction became a flooded mire after a downpour. The area, a key disembarking point for taxis serving the Gayaza, Bombo, and Kira routes, saw commuters struggling through muddy water.

Passengers were observed wading through the water to reach taxis, with some expressing frustration over potential damage to their clothing. Boda boda riders operating nearby pointed to inadequate drainage as a major contributing factor to the rapid flooding.

“This area floods quickly whenever it rains,” stated boda boda rider Sadat Kimera. He urged the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) to expedite repairs on the pothole, which he claimed had been neglected for over two weeks, and to address the underlying drainage issues.

In response to the persistent problem, local riders have reportedly begun pooling funds to purchase equipment for clearing drainage channels and improving water flow. The flooding has also had a negative impact on businesses in the vicinity, including those within Mabirizi Building. Crispus Ndyabagye, who works in the area, noted that customers are often deterred from visiting when the roads are submerged and muddy, thereby affecting trade.

This incident underscores a broader issue, as KCCA’s own service standards dictate that potholes should be repaired within 72 hours. However, many road users report waiting weeks for repairs, with the problems escalating during the rainy season.

While KCCA is undertaking various road infrastructure projects across the city, including planned upgrades to the Bombo Road corridor, the immediate concerns of residents regarding basic road maintenance and drainage remain largely unaddressed. Attempts to get a comment from KCCA officials were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.

Source: https://observer.ug/news/delayed-city-road-repairs-leave-muddy-taste-for-kampalans