Elias Lukwago, the Kampala Lord Mayor
Kampala city is likely to take some time before acquiring an alternative land fill site that would replace Kiteezi, where more than 35 people lost their lives in a garbage calamity.
The Kampala Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago announced the suspension of the acquisition of an alternative land for establishment of a waste management facility during a press conference early this week.
He pointed out that the Government is likely to losh billions of shillings if the search process proceeds in a hashed environment.
“The way the procurement process is being handled raises serious concerns, and would lead to loss of taxpayers money. This is not to ignore the fact that the city is in urgent need for a waste disposal site,” said Lukwago.
He added: “Let’s patiently wait until the city executive committee is furnished with a comprehensive progress report for further management and council consideration.”
The council has for many months been engaged in the process of identification and acquisition of land for waste disposal.One of the major concerns Lukwago fronted was that despite the committee’s request for a progress report from experts on September 12, no response has been received to date.
He said they are still waiting for clarity on how the procurement process is progressing.
David Luyimbazi, KCCA’s Deputy Executive Director however defended the ongoing process, highlighting that the delay is due to the need to do proper due diligence.
“We cannot forgo any protocol in this process. And the search process can only be halted if there are no funds for land acquisition or if certain user requirements change,” he said.
In response to Lukwago’s demand for transparency, Luyimbazi pointed out that the requested reports are confidential, and remain classified.
He said that possibly by the end of next week, they would have finalised the land review.
“This would enable us to secure the sh16b earmarked to settle the Kiteezi landfill victims, which include compensating affected residents and purchasing the necessary land,” he revealed.
The land sought for waste disposal must be within 30 kilometers of Kampala, and be at least 200 acres in size. It should also have clear documentation and should not be located in a wetland. It should also not be too close to major roads.
AWAITED APOLOGY
Lukwago used to press Briefing to offer a public apology about the brawl which took place during what transpired at the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Council meeting.
In public view, the city councillors engaged in a physical fist fight that left several of them injured, albeit slightly.
The incident disrupted the meeting’s agenda, leaving many of them apologetic.
Said Lukwago: “What happened during the council meeting was shameful, and I extend my sincere apologies to all Kampala people and Ugandans at large.”
