Chinese Firm CRSG Given February 2027 Deadline for Masindi-Biiso Road

Minister of Works and Transport, Fred Byamukama, has issued a firm deadline of February 2027 for the completion of the 47km Masindi-Biiso road. The directive was given during an inspection of the project, a key component of the oil roads being developed in the Bunyoro sub-region. The overall road network, costing Shs 504 billion, includes the Masindi-Biiso stretch along with the Kabaale-Kiziranfumbi and Hohwa-Nyairongo-Kyarushesha-Butoole roads, spanning a total of 106km.

Awarded to CRSG in 2019 and initially slated for completion in 2022, the project has been plagued by delays, extensions, and financial issues. The contractor had reportedly halted work, citing Shs 120 billion in unpaid arrears. Minister Byamukama emphasized that the project is significantly overdue and must adhere to the new February 2027 completion date.

Furthermore, the Ministry has launched an investigation into allegations of a road diversion from its original route through Biiso community to Busingiro Hill. This deviation is suspected to have increased costs and contributed to the project’s delays, with claims of connivance between district officials and engineers for potential compensation manipulation or rock sales.

Residents have also raised concerns about the contractor obstructing and destroying water sources. The Minister stressed the importance of ensuring community access to water, demanding that CRSG resolve these issues.

Despite these challenges, Wang Quiang, the project manager for CRSG, stated that the road is 90 percent complete, with remaining works anticipated by the end of the current year. He cited land acquisition and delayed fund releases as primary causes for the setbacks. The minister’s firm deadline now takes precedence over the contractor’s projected completion timeline.

Bujenje County MP Kenneth Kiiza Nyendwoha highlighted the road’s potential to boost agricultural transport and improve connectivity between Masindi and Buliisa districts. “The completed road will significantly improve the transportation of agricultural produce to markets and strengthen connectivity between Masindi and Buliisa districts,” he noted.

Source: https://observer.ug/news/minister-orders-chinese-firm-crsg-to-complete-biiso-road-works-by-feb-2027