KYAMBOGO UNIVERSITY
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENT
ENGINEERING
BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING IN CIVIL AND
BUILDING ENGINEERING
STUDY OF THE IMPORTANCE CONSTRUCTION OF MULTI-
PURPOSE UTILITY TUNNEL (MUT) TO REPLACE NAKIVUBO
CHANNEL IN KAMPALA.
BY LUBEGA BRANDON
20/U/ECD/12578/GV
RESEARCH PROPOSAL SUBMITTED TO THE LECTURER IN
CHARGE OF RESEARCH METHODS TCBE 2206 AS A PARTIAL
REQUIREMENT FOR THE FULFILLMENT OF A COURSE UNIT FOR
AWARD OF A BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN ENGINEERING IN CIVIL
AND BUILDING ENGINEERING.
DECLARATION
I Lubega Brandon, declare that this research project is my original work and
has not been presented for any award in any other University. No part of this
project should be reproduced without permission of the author or Kyambogo
University.
I
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
First and foremost, I am grateful to the Almighty God who has guided me
during the process of carrying of my research.
Second, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my lecturer Dr.
Ssenyondo Vincent, whose advice, immense support, constructive critics
and guidance has enabled me reach this far.
Third, I would like to thank my family for being a pillar of encouragement
and support. Reaching this far in life would not have be possible without
you.
Finally, I also wish to acknowledge and express my deepest and sincere
gratitude to those who have assisted and guided me in completion of this
research but are not mention here. God bless you.
ABSTRACT
Multi-purpose utility tunnels (MUTs) integrate all utilities together in one
tunnel and can be accessed by humans. The density and unsustainable
placement of buried utilities in the limited underground space in Kampala,
capital city of Uganda, lead to coordination issues between utility owners
and increased the social costs because of repeated excavations. Multi-
purpose utility tunnels (MUTs) combine the utilities such as water pipes,
sewer lines, storm water lines, telecommunication lines, electricity lines, etc.
into one tunnel that can easily be accessed for inspection and maintenance
activities, which can be conducted all year round irrespective of the weather
conditions. Urban areas such as Kampala, are experiencing many street
closures and traffic disruptions because of excavation for maintaining
underground utilities. Multi-purpose utility tunnels can be introduced as a
solution not only to avoid these excavations, but also facilitate inspection
and protection of utilities.
II
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DECLARATION.......................................................................................................I
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT........................................................................................II
ABSTRACT..............................................................................................................II
1 CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION.................................................................1
1.1 Background of study.....................................................................................1
1.2 Problem statement.........................................................................................1
1.3 Objectives of the study..................................................................................2
1.3.1 Main objective........................................................................................2
1.3.2 Specific objectives of the study..............................................................2
1.4 Justification for the study..............................................................................2
1.5 Scope of study...............................................................................................4
2 CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW.....................................................5
2.1 Introduction...................................................................................................5
2.2 MUT classification........................................................................................5
2.3 Importance of MUTs.....................................................................................7
3 CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY.........................................................10
3.1 Introduction.................................................................................................10
3.2 Research design..........................................................................................10
3.3 Study population.........................................................................................10
3.4 Data collection methods..............................................................................10
3.5 Data collection instruments.........................................................................11
3.6 Sampling techniques...................................................................................11
3.7 Data analysis...............................................................................................11
3.8 Ethical considerations.................................................................................12
APPENDICES.........................................................................................................13
III
IV
1 CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of study
There has not been any successful attempt to design or construct a multi-
purpose utility tunnel in Uganda and in Kampala particularly. However,
there are utilities that are being used in Uganda such as telecommunication
lines, electricity lines, water and sewerage etc. that are being used by the
population in Kampala. Though these utilities are individually set up and
constructed either within the ground such as sewer lines, piped water or
above the ground (overhead) such as electricity line and telecommunication
lines. This as a result leads to waste of resources such as land/soil because of
constant excavations to place those utilities individually into the ground.
Deforestation is also accelerated as a result of cutting down of trees for poles
to carry electricity and telecommunication lines. Repair and maintenance of
these utilities has proved to be expensive and destructive to the environment
due to repeated excavations and cutting of trees to replace the old poles.
MUTs design and construction can therefore be introduced to mitigate these
problems because all these utilities will be combined into one tunnel, which
would permit cheap inspection and protection of these utilities, improve
sanitation, conserve the environment, improve communication and reduced
on the government expenditure.
1.2 Problem statement
Uganda is currently experiencing a rapid population growth in urban cities
specifically Kampala. Due to this rapid population growth, there is a rising
demand for the utility services such as water, electricity, communication and
proper disposal of sewerage. Therefore, this calls for the immediate design
of a Multi-purpose Utility tunnel in Kampala to replace the existing
Nakivubo drainage channel for passage of other utilities. The current
existing utilities in Kampala are either above the ground such as electricity
and telecommunication lines and in case they break, they may cause
accidents, death or traffic congestion during repairs. Other utilities are
within the ground such as sewer and water lines and in case of blockage,
they call for excavation of the ground in order to be repaired which results
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into street closures, traffic delays and destruction of the green environment.
Hence design and construction of MUTs would simplify the repair and
maintenance of these utilities. In addition to that, MUTs would also improve
sanitation of people living in Kampala, conserve the environment and
reduced
1.3 Objectives of the study.
1.3.1 Main objective.
To study the importance of construction of Multi-purpose Utility Tunnel to
replace Nakivubo channel in Kampala, Uganda.
1.3.2 Specific objectives of the study.
To access the impact of construction of MUTs in Kampala.
To identify the causes for the need of construction of MUTs in Kampala.
To identify areas where MUTS can be constructed within Kampala.
1.4 Justification for the study.
People who move often around Kampala and are observant, will agree
hardly that a month passes without a sidewalk, road verge or road being
excavated. Telephone companies burrow soil to lay fibre-optic cables to
improve their customers’ internet browsing experience or a water utility
could excavate a verge to either fix or upgrade a pipe or sewer to serve the
sprouting apartments’ tenants. These excavations cause traffic congestion as
result of road closures, destruction of the natural environment as trees are
sometimes cut down and associated impacts on local businesses and
residents (e.g. noise, loss of public space and businesses are minimised).
2
Figure 1 Shows workmen carrying out excavation for lying of underground
utilities.
An urban authority could culvert a road to drain off rain water while in other
cases, an electricity utility might be installing underground or overhead
power cables. All the processes have an impact on the natural environment,
the people in that environment and the activities they do for a living. In
many cases during installation and repair of these utilities, i.e. underground
utilities, excavation is needed and it requires funds from the government in
order to be carried. It’s the same case with the overhead utilities, during their
installation and repairs, roads are closed hence traffic congestion, during
repair people experience power cut offs which in turn affects their
businesses flow. In addition, overhead utilities such as power and
telecommunication lines are supported by weak poles which can easily break
and cause accidents, death and damage of property such as cars which
maybe packed besides those poles carrying the utilities.
3
Many areas in Kampala city experience flooding which is caused as a result
of poor drainage channel systems. These floods tend to cut of the roads
making transport difficult. Furthermore, these floods destroy people’s
property such as buildings and vehicles. Water pollution is also accelerated
by the flooding as a lot of plastics and other garbage get deposited in the on-
surface drainage channels which are also poorly developed. The sewage in
the underground pipes sometimes also get exposed to the surface as a result
of flooding. This results into diseases such as diarrhoea, dysentery, malaria
and bilharzia which tend to claim peoples’ lives. Therefore, to solve these
problems there is a need to design and construct Multi-purpose Utility
tunnels which incorporate all the utilities into one channel. This research is
directed towards accessing the importance of construction of MUTs in
Kampala.
Figure 2 Shows floods in Kampala.
1.5 Scope of study.
The study is intended to be carried within areas that make up Kampala city.
The city is divided into five boroughs, Kampala Central Division,
Kawempe, Makindye, Nakawa, and Lubaga Division. However, the study is
going to be carried out specifically within Kampala Central Division and it
will take 35 days from the day of start.
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2 CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
In this chapter, MUT classification, benefits and disadvantages are
discussed.
2.2 MUT classification.
According to Axel Laistner and Hermann Laistner the construction of MUTs
in the modern age started from 19th century. During the 19th and 20th
Centuries rectangular and semi-circular sections of MUTs were commonly
used. However, in the recent years now people have resorted to circular
sections because they have an advantage of uniform distribution of forces
hence, they are less affected by concentrated loads. (A, Laistner & H,
Laistner, 2012).
Figure 3 Shows different sections of tunnels.
Rogers and Hunt (2006) classified MUTs basing on the depth, type, the
position of installation, shape and material. (Rogers and Hunt, 2006).
Considering the depth of cover, MUTs can be categorised into three groups
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of flush-fitting (0.0m), shallow (0.5 – 2m) and deep (2 -80m) as shown in
the figure below.
Figure 4 Shows flush fitting, shallow and deep tunnels.
The above categories can be further divided into searchable, visitable and
compartmentalised MUTs basing on their accessibility and internal space.
MUTs can be situated under roads, pathways and metros.
MUTs can be constructed in various ways and with different shapes such
trapezoid, rectangular, circular and semi-circular depending on various
factors such the nature of the soils, purpose of the tunnel etc. Different
materials such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), concrete, steel, pre-
cast concrete sections, bricks and mortar can be used in constructions of
these tunnels.
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Figure 5 Shows searchable, visitable and compartmentalized tunnels.
2.3 Importance of MUTs
MUT benefits can be categorised into two groups: benefits fir utility
companies and municipalities and benefits for utility users and citizens
(social and environmental benefits). These benefits are explained in detail as
follows.
MUT advantages for Utility Companies and Municipalities.
The municipality and utility companies (e.g electricity and
telecommunication network companies, water and sewage companies) can
gain great benefits from using MUTs. These benefits include;
Major reduction of construction costs (i.e. costs of excavation, traffics
congestion, road repair, injury, and death): The costs of excavation and
reinstatement related to underground utilities during their lifecycle will be
greatly reduced by using MUTs. According to Gilchrist. A and Allouche,
blocking of streets due to construction work is greatly reduced and normal
traffic continues and consequently the traffic control costs are decreased.
(Gilchrist & Allouche, 2005). There are fewer disturbances for local
businesses and residents of that area. The impact of excavation on the roads,
sidewalks, tree roots, and other structures around the project is reduced
majorly, which leads to reduced repair costs (Hunt et al., 2014).
Improved inspection and maintenance of utilities: According to Hunt et. al,
the space of MUTs provides better access for inspection and assessment of
the underground utilities. (Hunt et al., 2014;). This preventive inspection has
advantages of reducing failure of utilities, it improves longevity of the
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utilities and there is continuous supply of utility services for the population.
Furthermore, according to Canto-Perello and Curiel Esparza, the weather
conditions such as rainfall, snow do not affect the inspection process
because MUTs provide an accessible underground space for utility
maintenance and inspection activities. (Canto-Perello & Curiel-Esparza,
2013)
Minimization of damage and corrosion of utilities: Multi-purpose utility
tunnels prevent damage and corrosion of utilities this is because the utilities
are all integrated and enclosed within one tunnel and therefore elements such
as rain water and chemicals which may cause damage and corrosion are cut
off from getting exposed to utilities as compared to utilities which are just
buried in the ground. Also, the MUT environment protects underground
pipelines against corrosion, which usually happens in the conventional
buried method.
Future development and upgrade cost savings: The MUTs provide a
combined space not only for currently available utilities to pass through the
tunnel in a protected and monitored environment, but also make the future
placement, change, decommission, and upgrading of utilities much easier
and cheaper than the open-cut method.
Major reduction of labour accidental injury and death: With the MUTs,
construction work accidents are reduced since one tunnel is constructed and
all other utilities are just inserted/fixed within the tunnel. Therefore,
excavation related accidents which may cause death are reduced hence
improving lives and welfare of workers. According to Ormsby, the workers
are subject to risk of trenching-related death and serious injuries. (Ormsby,
2009). Therefore, MUTs reduce labour accidental injury and death by
avoiding repeated constructions.
Major reduction of municipal revenue loss: When streets and roads are
closed during excavation and repairing of utilities, transportation of goods
and services is affected negatively due to the delays. This as a result leads to
less shopping from local businesses and reduces the sale tax revenue.
8
However, with construction of MUTs, excavations are prevented and
maintenance and repair of utilities do not need closure of streets.
MUT Advantages for Utility Users and Citizens (Social and
Environmental Benefits)
The social and environmental benefits of MUTs are related to the users of
the utilities and the roads, and generally, all citizens who are living or have a
business in the area or even the city. The benefits are explained below.
Major reduction of traffic congestion or detour road: For the buried utilities,
there is traffic congestion due to excavations and maintenance works of
these utilities which leads to closure of streets. Therefore, as a result the
vehicles arrive destination places with delay. These delays waste the time of
passengers. However, with MUTs all these problems of traffic congestions
and delays are overcome.
Improved health, environment, and safety: According to Ormsby,
construction work for open-cut utility maintenance and placement activities
causes safety issues (e.g. injuries or death by accident) due to falling into
excavation or collapse of trenches. Also, closing roads will be an obstacle
for emergency vehicles to pass fast (Ormsby, 2009). In addition, Jung, Y and
Sinha said that the noise and vibration of machinery in construction works of
the open-cut method cause health problems to people such as high blood
pressure, heart attacks, disturbance for sleep and consequently reduce the
productivity of people (Jung and Sinha, 2007). Pollution of the environment
due to emission of toxic gases from machinery and dust also cause diseases
and other health related problems. However, with MUTs there is improved
health, environment and safety.
Improved quality of utility services and customer satisfaction: Since MUTs
are accessible, inspection and maintenance of utilities become easy to
conduct. Therefore, even the services received by customers are improved
and they are timely. This leads to smooth flow of house works for example
washing of utensil, drainage of stormwater and sewage. As a result, utility
companies are credited by their customers for provision of quality services
with fewer service disruption.
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Major reduction of local business loss: Repair and maintenance of buried
utilities tend to cause business losses due to excavation processes. For
example, some excavation works are carried out in front of shopping malls
and arcades. Therefore, customers are forced to move to other malls and
arcades which are free and not blocked hence leading to financial losses to
business men and women.
Reduction of temporary closure of recreational facilities: For example, when
a water pipeline passing below a playground gets blocked, excavations have
to be carried out to remove the pipe and fix the problem hence hindering the
usage of the playground. Though with MUTs these problems are solved.
3 CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
The purpose of this research is to examine the importance of construction of
Multi-utility tunnel to replace the Nakivubo channel in Central Kampala.
This chapter includes the research design, study population, data collection
methods, data collection instruments, sampling techniques, data analysis and
ethical considerations.
3.2 Research design
The study will employ a descriptive study design. Qualitative research
design methods will be employed because most of the data that will be
collected will involve non-numerical data so as to access the importance of
construction of multi-utility tunnel.
3.3 Study population
The study will target people from KCCA (Kampala Capital City Authority),
residents, traders, hawkers, taxi drivers and individuals who work from
Kampala.
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3.4 Data collection methods
This research will majorly use primary data. Therefore, the following
methods will be used;
a) Observation, this method will involve actual visitation of the area of
study i.e. Nakivubo channel on different days that will be scheduled in
the work plan. This method will be of good importance since the data
that will be collected will be non-numerical and first-hand information
is obtained.
b) Interviews, this method will involve oral questions that will be that
will be answered by the respondents that were already shown in the
study population. This data collection method will be used because it
enables the researcher to interact with the respondents and obtain
some first-hand information.
c) Questionnaires, this method of data collection will involve writing and
printing of questions that will be delivered to some groups of people
in the study population for example people working in KCCA. The
questionnaires will later be picked at a time scheduled in the work
plan.
3.5 Data collection instruments
a) Face to face and Telephone interviews; Interview guiding questions
here will be set and determined by the researcher in relation problem
statement. The researcher will either physical interact with the
respondents or through telephone calls.
b) Participant and non-participant observation techniques; The researcher
will fully participate in the collection of data through observation by
physically visiting the study area. The researcher will also employee
some people who trained to collect observational data on behalf of
him.
c) Delivery and collection of questionnaires; The researcher will deliver
and collect questionnaires to the target people either by himself or
through some trusted person.
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3.6 Sampling techniques
Sampling is the way that you can choose a smaller group of your population
to research and then generalize the results of this across a larger population.
In this research probability sampling methods called randomised sampling
with be adopted. This is preferred in this research because every person in a
population has a chance of being selected for research.
3.7 Data analysis
This part of methodology will involve gathering of feedback from
respondents, recording of observations, coding of comments, running of
queries and reporting. This information can be collected and analysed using
tables and charts.
Table 1 Shows how qualitative data can be recorded using tables
Stake holder Qualitative data Number of times Conclusion
collected that same
information has
been given
Trader Excavations made 4
in Kampala per
week
Taxi driver How often does it 7
flood along
Nakivubo channel
per month
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3.8 Ethical considerations
The researcher should first seek permission from Kampala Capital City
Authority in order to be allowed to carry out his research from Kampala.
The researcher should also make sure that sensitive information collected
from respondents if any remains confidential.
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APPENDICES
Work Plan
[Link] Activity January 2023 February 2023
.
WK 3 WK 4 WK WK WK 3
1 2
1 Development of consultation
tools
2 Training of research
assistants
3 Data collection
4 Data analysis
5 Making a report
Proposed budget for the study
No. Description Amount
1 Training of research 300,000
assistants
2 Transportation 450,000
3 Purchase of notebooks 30,000
and pens
4 Airtime for 100,000
communication
Total 880,000
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