The Ugandan government has allocated over 290 billion Ugandan shillings (about 170.6 million U.S. dollars) for a national road maintenance program which aims at improving the road network, promoting cheap, efficient and reliable transport services.

The three-year transport strategy will incorporate the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) projects.

It will also support increased agriculture and industrial production, increase trade and tourism and improve social and administrative services, State Transport Minister John Byabagambi has said.

"We are implementing policies and investment plans intended to improve efficiency of the transport sector, eradicate poverty and develop an integrated economy," Byabagambi was quoted as saying by the state-owned New Vision on Thursday.

He said the existing road system was inadequate for sustainable economic growth as the needs of the road systems have constantly outstripped available resources.

"This has resulted into reduced network service levels," the minister said while attending a workshop on public expenditure review strategy for improved road development and maintenance in Kampala.

According to him, the planned road fund will address inadequate maintenance funding.

The work to repair and reconstruct all main roads in Kampala is underway ahead of the Commonwealth summit slated for November this year here.

Source: Xinhua