By Ahura Mujuni Mark

Uganda has secured financing worth US$ 145 million from the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) to support expansion of the road network in its western region,International Construction reports

The project includes paving 135 km of the Kigumba-Masindi-Hoima-Kabwoya road. The financing is made up of US$ 111 million from the African Development Fund (ADF) while the Ugandan government is contributing US$ 34 million.

The project aims to reduce transportation costs, improve access to social and economic infrastructure, and increase mobility. Some 870,000 people are expected to benefit, while construction will create about 1,200 jobs, of which 80% will be reserved for local communities.

The project includes civil engineering works, the study and strengthening of the road sub-sector, as well as the compensation and relocation of people affected by the project.