Koboko-Yumbe-Moyo Road Project at 54% Completion Amidst Deadline Concerns

The vital Koboko-Yumbe-Moyo (KYM) road project, spanning 103.8 kilometers, has reached a 54 percent completion mark. The project, which connects Koboko, Yumbe, and Moyo districts, is slated for a July 2027 completion.

During a recent inspection, the Minister for Works and Transport, Fred Byamukama, urged the contractor, Zhongmei Construction Company, to expedite construction. Minister Byamukama emphasized the government’s firm stance against project extensions, stating that no further delays would be tolerated and that the remaining 46 percent of the work must be finished within the allocated timeframe.

The Shs430 billion project, initiated in July 2024 and funded by the World Bank, has seen 22 kilometers of the road already tarmacked. However, concerns have been raised about the contractor’s pace, with some local officials noting that the work appears slow.

The project manager identified the supply of bitumen as the primary potential obstacle to meeting the deadline. He explained that a significant portion of the road has been primed, but tarmacking is on hold due to delayed bitumen shipments from Iran. This shortage has led to dust pollution in some sections, causing concern for nearby residents.

Despite these challenges, the resident engineer for Zhongmei Construction Company expressed confidence in completing the remaining works on schedule, assuring that they are not behind the planned timeline. Minister Byamukama also directed the contractor to ensure continued access for residents and to finalize pending compensation for those affected by the roadworks.

The improved road is expected to significantly boost transportation, trade, and access to social services, as well as facilitate the movement of agricultural produce to markets, ultimately aiming to improve livelihoods in the region.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)