Kalangala ferry returns

MV Pearl ferry returned on Wednesday from Kisumu in Kenya where it had been taken for repairs. PHOTO BY Henry lubulwa

KALANGALA.

MV Pearl ferry, which was recently taken to Kisumu in Kenya for major repairs and servicing, has returned.
Mr Joseph Mulindwa, the spokesperson for Kalangala Infrastructure Services (KIS), a firm managing the ferry, said the vessel docked at Kachanga Landing Site on Wednesday.
He said it has been fitted with improved technology, better propeller system and high speed gadget.

“It had taken three years plying the Kalangala-Bukakaata route and had developed some mechanical problems which needed servicing,” Mr Mulindwa said.

President Museveni is expected in the district tomorrow to launch the MV Pearl and MV Ssese ferries and other projects under KIS.

The projects include a 1.8 megawatt solar-thermal power plant in Bukuzindu, Mugoye Sub-county and a water project for Bugala Island.

He will also inspect the ongoing road construction works.
“We expect the President to launch all the activities we have been handling although we are not sure of the final programme,” Mr Mulindwa said.

While in Kalangala, Mr Museveni is expected to inspect the palm oil plantations and palm oil extraction process by BIDCO, according to Kalangala District chairperson Willy Lugoloobi.
“This is going to be the President’s first visit since 2011,” Mr Lugoloobi said.

A couple of years ago, government, through a public-private partnership, unveiled a multi-million dollar project to spur economic growth in Kalangala.

The $50m (about Shs181 billion) scheme focuses on providing standard marine transport services, clean water, electricity and road construction.

The project has since delivered two ferries to ease marine transport between Bugala Island and Masaka District mainland.
A 1.8 megawatt solar plant is also nearing completion while construction of a 66km main island road is in progress.