Nakawa Railway Bridge is set to undergo a remarkable transformation as the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) embarks on an ambitious project to reconstruct the historic structure.
Standing tall since the 1950s, the bridge has long facilitated the smooth passage of Portbell road over the railway at Nakawa in the heart of Kampala, Uganda.
However, with the city’s rapid growth and increasing traffic demands, the need for modernization has become evident.
The project’s scope goes beyond just the Nakawa Railway bridge; it encompasses a broader vision to revamp Portbell Road, connecting Nakawa to Portbell.
KCCA has taken up the challenge to expand and upgrade Portbell Road, turning it into a dual-carriage thoroughfare.
As fate would have it, the timing of this transformative endeavor aligns harmoniously with the Uganda Railway Corporation’s efforts to carry out extensive repairs along the Kampala-Malaba railway line.
This expansion, while promising a more efficient commute, has necessitated the construction of a larger and more resilient bridge to accommodate the anticipated surge in vehicular movement.
Funding for this ambitious initiative has been secured from the African Development Bank through the Kampala City Roads Rehabilitation Project (KCRRP), under which over 69 kilometers of roads are slated for reconstruction in the city.
Already, positive progress can be seen on various roads throughout Kampala. Kabega Road in Makindye Division is nearing completion, with tarmac already laid. Spring Road and Old Portbell Road in Nakawa are also making steady progress.
In Lubaga Division, work is well underway on Old Mubende Road and Kigala Roads. Additionally, in the industrial area, forward maintenance is ongoing, paving the way for actual construction to begin soon.
The Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Hajat Minsa Kabanda, accompanied by KCCA Executive Director, Dorothy Kisaka, recently paid an enlightening visit to the construction site.
Their presence signified the importance of the project and the dedication invested in its successful completion.
During the tour, excitement was palpable as construction crews diligently worked on shifting utility lines and laying the foundation for a comprehensive drainage system.
This project holds great significance, not only for its potential impact on the city’s overall development but also for improving citizens’ daily lives.
The story of Nakawa Railway bridge and the number of roads under construction serves as a compelling testament to KCCA’s unwavering commitment to shaping the city’s future.
As the project continues to progress, citizens are eagerly anticipating the transformative effects it will have on their daily lives.
With each brick laid and beam erected, the bridge becomes a symbol of progress, promising to bridge the gap between the past and the future, and pave the way for a more connected and prosperous Kampala.
Story Credit: KCCA website