USMID beneficiaries asked to develop project sustainability plans

Kasese, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development has asked leaders in Local Governments that are benefiting from the Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development Programme –USMID funded projects to develop project sustainability plans.

Steven Bogere, a senior sociologist and coordinator of the Urban Forum Activities under the Ministry of Lands, says local governments should work on up-scaling citizen engagement and responsibility to look after the roads, create trade order, and provide community policing so that the projects can last.

Bogere, who was speaking during a formalisation tour of the new executive members of the Urban National Urbanization Forum (UNUF) in Kasese on Tuesday, said it’s important that the planning and budgeting decisions at the local governments clearly consider the sustainability of the projects, including allocating resources for maintenance of roads, garbage, and street lights.

Bogere noted that the new infrastructure is intended to improve people’s lives in terms of movements and businesses and also bring satisfaction to the community living and working in the towns.

He said the ministry is optimistic that USMID beneficiaries will prioritise sustaining the new infrastructure, adding that Kasese is now being used as a learning centre for other urban areas.

UNUF President Detrik Muhwezi Banyweine told URN that they are advocating for increased community participation in devising strategies to address urbanisation challenges and ensure sustainable urban development at all levels. He added that the new infrastructure could not be completed within the expected time frame without the local community’s involvement and focused local budget.

Kasese Municipal Physical Planner Wilfred Baluku said they have rolled out community sensitisation campaigns so the local community can appreciate the new developments. However, he advocates for a special fund from government given that the district is prone to disasters which cause huge damages that cannot be met by the local revenue collections.

Mary Kabugho, who operates a Unisex salon on Margherita Street, appreciates the new developments, which she says give them a chance to extend their operating hours. However, she is calling for a sustainable waste management plan.

Kasese alone has received about 50 billion Shillings under the USMID program. Major roads in the town centre have been upgraded and are now complemented by modern street lighting.

Urban Forums are established in 31 urban authorities in 10 cities, two town councils and 19 municipalities.

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