Kampala, (UG):- The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has ordered Ham Enterprises (U) Ltd to immediately stop ongoing illegal construction activities on the Jugula Drainage Channel at Plots 26 and 28 in Nakivubo.
In a statement issued on November 18, 2024, KCCA cited that under Section 46 of the Physical Planning Act, 2010, the authority required Ham to restore the drainage channel within seven days after several complaints were initially raised over the ongoing activities at the channel but this was ignored by the contractor.
The illegal construction according to the authority is reportedly blocking the Jugula Drainage Channel, which flows into the Nakivubo Drainage Channel which has resulted in significant flooding at the St. Balikuddembe Market (Owino), causing severe inconvenience and financial losses to some vendors.
“Owino Market is a cornerstone of Kampala’s economic activity, providing livelihoods to thousands of traders and serving as a hub for poverty alleviation,” KCCA said in a Monday press statement.
Despite Ham Enterprises’ response to KCCA citing approved building plans from 2017 as justification for the construction, the Authority dismissed the response and clarified that these plans have since expired and the company was not permitted to construct on the drainage channel.
“While the developer asserts the existence of approved building plans issued in 2017, it should be noted that such approvals having expired, as outlined in Section 38 of the Building Control Act, 2013, did not permit the company to do development on a drainage channel,” KCCA noted.
KCCA further reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing urban planning and development control laws to protect public safety and promote sustainable development.
KCCA’s intervention highlights the city authority’s dedication to maintaining proper drainage infrastructure and addressing illegal activities that endanger public welfare.
The authority has since urged all developers to comply with regulations and ensure that their projects do not compromise public infrastructure, particularly drainage systems that are critical to Kampala’s resilience against flooding.
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