Taxi drivers and operators in Kagadi District have urged Finance, Planning and Economic Development Minister, Matiya Kasaija to lobby for the upgrading of Kagadi Taxi Park from gravel to bitumen standards.
Speaking at his home where they had paid a courtesy call over the weekend, the drivers said that reports indicate that though there are other roads to be upgraded in the area, the Taxi Park will not be worked on.
Led by Mr Matiya Musoke under their umbrella organisation, Kagadi Drivers and Operators Association, the drivers and operators said that once upgraded from gravel, users will be salvaged from the dusty and muddy Taxi Park.
“We drivers in Kagadi have a problem. We have received information that more roads will be upgraded to bituminous standard but the Taxi Park will remain in its gravel form since it won’t be worked on. We ask you to use your ministerial authority to have the Taxi Park upgraded to tarmac so that we can beat off the dust,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr Musoke said that the improving road infrastructure in Greater Kibaale has reduced the once frequent mechanical breakdowns their vehicles experienced.
He said that so far the upgraded stretch of the 104-km Mubende-Kakumiro-Kibaale-Kagadi Road from gravel to bitumen standards has saved drivers and operators from incurring expenses in garages to have their vehicles repaired due to the bumpy road among other benefits.
“This road has helped us a lot. It is so useful that it has also helped people who do not own vehicles because they are travelling smoothly contrary to the past when we experienced pain due to the potholes.”
Addressing the drivers, Mr Kasaija warned them against reckless driving due to the improved road network reminding them that they are responsible for the many lives of different road users including the passengers they carry, pedestrians, riders, fellow drivers and themselves.
On upgrading Kagadi Taxi Park, the minister promised the drivers that it will be constructed to standard.
“Drive carefully especially you the youth. What I detest to hear is that people are dying on the road due to over speeding. I humbly beg you to drive slowly to avoid causing bloodshed on that road. Drive carefully and ensure that first of all your life as a driver is safe and so is the life of another person and the maintenance of your vehicle in a good mechanical condition.”
