The Engineers Registration Board (ERB) has given the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) one month to provide a comprehensive report on the ongoing redevelopment of the Nakivubo Channel.
The directive followed days after torrential rains left parts of Kampala submerged, causing extensive damage to property and exposing flaws in the city’s drainage infrastructure.
In a statement issued by Prof. Eng. Henry Mwanaki Alinaitwe, the ERB Chairperson, the Board emphasized that the project must adhere to professional engineering standards and environmental safeguards.
“The Board expects that the redevelopment of the Nakivubo Channel, a critical urban drainage corridor discharging into the Victoria Basin and spanning one of the largest catchments in Kampala, must be undertaken after the requisite mandatory studies and technical assessments have been carried out,” said Prof. Eng. Alinaitwe.
He warned that failure to follow established engineering procedures could have dire consequences for public safety and the environment.
“Undertaking such a major infrastructure project without adherence to established engineering standards and procedures poses serious risks and could lead to catastrophic consequences,” he added.
The Board, which operates under the Ministry of Works and Transport, noted that its mandate is to regulate and control engineering practice in Uganda, advise government on engineering matters, and promote professional excellence in the field.
“Given this mandate, the ERB is committed to ensuring that all public works, especially those with significant safety and environmental implications, are guided by an inclusive, transparent, and technically sound framework,” Prof. Eng. Alinaitwe stated.
In the letter addressed to the KCCA Executive Director, the ERB requested detailed information regarding the competence and suitability of the design team, the design considerations and intended purpose of the project, the environmental and basin discharge framework and the measures adopted to make the project adaptable and resilient to future climatic and urbanization changes.
The Board also commended KCCA for its contribution to infrastructure development in the city but reminded the authority of its duty to maintain technical transparency.
“The ERB appreciates KCCA’s efforts in promoting sound engineering practice and supporting infrastructure development within the city. However, we reiterate our readiness to offer professional guidance to strengthen design integrity and ensure compliance with approved engineering standards,” the statement read.
The ERB has given KCCA one month to respond with detailed documentation addressing all requested aspects of the project.
“We will appreciate receiving the information requested for within a period of one month from the date of receipt of this letter,” Prof. Eng. Alinaitwe noted.
