Recently, Queens Way’s Clock Tower was surrounded by a pedestrian ring walkway that has excited and relieved both drivers and pedestrians. This week, in conjunction with the next week’s G77+China and Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summits, the embedded lights along the walkway’s steel bars came on.
In the past, pedestrians used the lights from passing cars to help them find their way in the dark, which put them at risk of theft or accidents when the lights went out. By addressing these safety issues, the new walkway hopes to improve city pedestrians’ experiences in general.
The semi-constructed Queen’s Clock Tower, which stood in the middle of the road before being dismantled, is located next to the pedestrian circular ring.
There is a solid surface for pedestrians on the walkway, which is furnished with rectangular containers holding young plants. But before they become used to the arrangement, some pedestrians may be confused by the circular design with wheelchair-accessible exits and entrances.
Watermelon vendor Robert Mwanje agreed that the lights had a good effect but voiced worries that street vendors would be forced from their regular locations. A bodaboda driver questioned the lights’ usefulness for his everyday operations as he concentrated on making a living in the difficult economic climate of the city.
Allan Ssempebwa, communications manager for the Uganda National Roads Authority, stressed the need of lights in ensuring that people use the circular ring safely. He hailed the construction as contributing to the splendor of Kampala’s skyline, with plans to illuminate the entire Kampala flyover project route for security considerations.
Pedestrian Overpass Opened
The public was able to access the elevated pedestrian ring steel pathway above the tarmac on Tuesday, January 9, 2024. As some people hurried up the stairs to explore the walkway, others kept crossing the dangerous Clock Tower area, beckoning cars from all angles.
Even with the Queen’s Clock Tower moved to the right side of Queens Way, many people without access to the walkway still find it difficult to cross this area. Administrator for the Forex Bureau Martha Wapali highlighted her happiness with the revised route, noting the reduction in waiting times and avoidance of traffic hazards.
Even with the pedestrian lane available, some people choose to cross the hazardous highways. Wapali explained that some people were unable to use the walkway because of injuries and a lack of awareness. Students like Kiyingi Ali think the new route will help lessen pedestrian accidents and perhaps even reduce crime in the region, which has a reputation for illegal activity.
Plastic bottle collector Isaac Sserwanja was astounded by the raised walkway, which recognized the advancement and growth of the city.
Update on Construction
The $200 million Clock Tower project was introduced by President Yoweri Museveni in December 2018 and was supported by the Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA). The Kampala Flyover Construction and Road Upgrading Project (KFCRUP), managed by the contractor Shimizu-Konoike Joint Venture (SKJV), was started to alleviate Kampala’s traffic congestion and recurrent flooding. As of right now, it is 93% finished.
