Uganda: $100m bridge will serve both tourism and transport

16 September 2009

Executive director of the Uganda National Roads authority Pete Ssebanakitta has announced the approval of a new bridge crossing the Nile.

Speaking through authority spokesperson Dan Alinange during a workshop in Kampala, the director was quoted by East African Business Week as saying the $100 million (£60 million) project - due to start in 2011 - would offer several benefits.

"[The bridge] will also be a landmark attraction for tourists besides its basic transport function," he explained.

Also unveiled at the event was final draft feasibility report prepared by Japan International Cooperation Agency - which is said to be considering a financing position in the project - showed the proposal to be viable both economically and environmentally.

The old bridge was said to have exceeded its life expectancy and was unable to accommodate increased traffic from Mombasa.

Compensation for what Ugandan publication New Vision said would displace 56 private housing units was also confirmed at the meeting.

Category: Transport