Government has unveiled a master plan aimed at fostering economic development through developing modern infrastructure in Kampala, Wakiso, Mukono and Mpigi districts.
The grand strategic plan for Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area is aimed at ensuring that the four districts jointly plan and develop modern infrastructure through constructing a modern road network.
The National Planning Authority (NPA) and the World Bank participated in drafting the master plan that will involve tarmacking of all roads, construction of flyovers, ring roads and express ways.
The master plan also indicates that government will revamp the railway networks, install walkways and street lights.
Launching the plan at Pearl of Africa Hotel in Kampala, Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda hailed the Word Bank for supporting the development of the plan.
Dr Kisamba Mugerwa, the chairperson of the National Planning Authority (NPA), said the master plan will help in ensuring that all key connection roads within the four districts are tarmacked.
“The roads will also accelerate economic development and create employment. Also, if we develop Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area, the city will be able to support the increasing population,” Dr Mugerwa explained.
The master plan is also expected to reduce on the transport costs and lower the cost of doing business.
Key roads identified
Already, Government has identified roads to be tarmacked in this financial year under the master plan. They are in municipalities of Kira, Nansana, Entebbe, Makindye-Ssabagabo and Mukono.
NPA executive director Joseph Muvawala said the strategic plan will cater for the fast-growing slums in the city.
Leaders speak out
Technocrats and politicians pledged to support the plan.
Ms Jennifer Musisi, the KCCA executive director, said more funds should be injected in changing the lives of the urban poor people “by setting productive ventures so that they engage in business”.
Deputy Lord Mayor Sarah Kanyike asked leaders to embrace the master plan. Mr George Kagimu, the Mukono Mayor, also asked government to inject more funds in districts.
