President Yoweri Museveni Wednesday commissioned the new cable-stayed bridge in Jinja.
Below is his speech;
The Shs41b bridge was constructed with support of the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and it will last 120 years.
This project shows the support and success of the NRM government towards development. It also shows the fruitful partnership between the governments of Japan and Uganda.
I have been informed that 67% of the technical staff were Ugandan engineers. The project has been completed within the cost, budget and almost the time framework of 48 months. I want to thank the contractors for successfully completing the project.
The new bridge is only for vehicles and pedestrians. Boda bodas and cyclists should not use it. Use the old bridge.
It is the season of big projects in Uganda. We will soon unveil new projects like the hydro power dams.
To Members of Parliament, we have to agree to pay our experts well such that our sciencists stay here and develop our country.
There is still Inefficiency in the transport system. About 90% of the cargo and passenger load is on the road. This can be reduced through railway transport.
That is why we are planning to build the standard guage railway with Kenya. This will reduce stress on the roads. As I declare this new bridge open, let me remind motorists that the speed limit is 80km/hr. Also, respect the pedestrian lanes.
I thank the Ministry of Works for the supervising the project. I thank the executive director of UNRA for the technical support. I also thank the contractor and consultant for the job well done.
