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UNRA, Chinese contractor on spot over construction delays ahead of mega international conferences in Kampala

As Uganda prepares to host two crucial international events in December, all is not well as far as infrastructure developments are concerned. Between December 4 – 9, 2023 Uganda will host the 19th Non-Aligned Movement Summit at Speke Resort Munyonyo and shortly afterwards there will be the third South Summit of G77 countries + China.

The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) and a Chinese contractor are currently facing scrutiny and criticism over construction delays ahead of these mega international conferences in Kampala. The infrastructure projects that were supposed to be completed in time for the events are now behind schedule, causing concerns among event organizers and government officials.

Concerns Over Construction Delays

The delays in the construction projects have raised questions about the competency and efficiency of both UNRA and the Chinese contractor. With the deadlines fast approaching, there is growing uncertainty about whether the necessary infrastructure will be ready in time to accommodate the influx of delegates and participants expected to attend the international conferences.

Local residents and businesses in Kampala are also feeling the impact of the delays, as the ongoing construction work has disrupted daily life and caused inconvenience. Traffic congestion, dust pollution, and noise disturbances have become common problems in the areas where the infrastructure projects are taking place.

The Way Forward

In response to the mounting pressure and criticism, UNRA and the Chinese contractor have pledged to expedite the construction work and ensure that the projects are completed as soon as possible. Both parties have acknowledged the importance of meeting the deadlines for the international conferences and have assured stakeholders that they are working towards resolving the issues causing the delays.

Despite the challenges and setbacks, there is still optimism that the infrastructure developments will be completed in time for the events, and that Uganda will successfully host the Non-Aligned Movement Summit and the South Summit of G77 countries + China. The upcoming international conferences represent a significant opportunity for Uganda to showcase its potential and strengthen its relationships with other nations, and it is crucial that the infrastructure is ready to support these important gatherings.

How this will affect me

As a resident of Kampala, the construction delays and disruptions caused by the infrastructure projects will continue to impact my daily life leading up to the international conferences in December. I may experience increased traffic congestion, dust pollution, and noise disturbances in the areas where the construction work is taking place. It is important for me to stay informed about the progress of the projects and to plan accordingly to minimize the inconvenience caused by the ongoing construction.

How this will affect the world

The construction delays in Uganda ahead of the international conferences could have broader implications for the global community. If the infrastructure projects are not completed in time, it could reflect poorly on Uganda’s ability to host major international events and could hinder the success of the Non-Aligned Movement Summit and the South Summit of G77 countries + China. Additionally, the delays may impact the travel plans and accommodations of delegates and participants from around the world, potentially disrupting the flow of the conferences and affecting the outcomes of important discussions and agreements.

Conclusion

Despite the challenges and criticisms facing UNRA and the Chinese contractor, there is still hope that the construction delays can be overcome and that the necessary infrastructure will be ready in time for the international conferences in December. It is essential for all stakeholders to work together towards a resolution and to ensure that Uganda can successfully host the Non-Aligned Movement Summit and the South Summit of G77 countries + China. The events represent a significant opportunity for the country to showcase its potential on the international stage, and it is important that the infrastructure developments are completed to support the success of these important gatherings.