Kampala-Entebbe Expressway: Security Boosted ahead of Tolling Roll-out

M/S EGIS Road Operation S.A, the French company hired by the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) to ensure smooth running of the the Kampala—Entebbe Expressway -- has hired local companies to strengthen the safety and security of the road.

Egis took over the operation and maintenance of the Expressway on May 24.

The company hired Pinnacle Security a local firm, to patrol the area on a 24/7 basis, looking out of vandals, accidents, breakdowns, and any needed interventions like fire extinguishing, ambulance services and so on.

"In the first six months, the firm will provide road safety facilities, expressway lighting, security services, axle-load control/monitoring system, routine road maintenance and emergency maintenance works to ensure an appropriate level of service excellence along the expressway to the benefit of its users, at all times," UNRA said in a statement.

"In a bid to boost local content implementation, the contractor has committed to sub-contract 30% of its operations to local companies and has mobilized local partners like Pinnacle Security Limited and Abubaker Technical Services. The company has further submitted a plan to increase the percentage of operations to local contractors."

To reduce road traffic accidents, Egis plans will install rumble strips before the toll plazas for speed control, and additional traffic signs at accident-prone points including improvements in the drainage system to avoid water puddles.

The company will also fence the entire expressway on top of lighting the entire route.

The Authority says communication on when tolling operations commencement will be communicated soon.

"Developments are underway to install the electrical infrastructure to ensure system functionality before the tolling operations. Commencement of the tolling operations and the rates to be paid by the different road users shall be communicated to the general public after clearance from the Ministry of Works and Transport and the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development."