KCCA Sets Up Committee To Demolish Illegal Buildings

Kampala Capital City Authority has set up a committee to coordinate the demolition of the unplanned buildings in the city.

George Agaba, the KCCA director in charge of physical planning says the demolition committee is composed of several government agencies including officials from the ministry of works and transport, ministry of gender and representatives of city traders and owners of the buildings.

Agaba says the committee has been mandated to come up with the best methods to use in the demolition of the buildings.

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He says within a period of one month the committee shall have compiled a report to be followed by KCCA in the demolition exercise.

Everest Kayondo, the chairman Kampala City Traders Association is one of the members appointed on the committee. Kayondo told Uganda Radio Network on Friday that demolishing the buildings affects mainly the business community who use the structures for financial gains.

He however adds that in compiling the final report to KCCA, the committee shall recommend the demolition of only buildings that threaten the lives of the occupants.

In August, KCCA’s George Agaba listed over 13 buildings to be demolished for violating approved building plans and regulations, ranging from converting approved parking space into shops, absence of fire escape and fire fighting provisions.

He also says other buildings lack elevators, toilet facilities and don’t provide ramps for persons with disability.

He cites Royal Complex owned by Godfrey Kirumira Kalule, JBK building owned by Deus Kakeeto and Yamaha Centre owned by  Christopher Saazi as some of the buildings to be demolished.