Kalangala infrastructure development deal signed
Improvement of marine transport will be one of the project’s key areas.
What you need to know:
Challenges. Kalangala, an island district, has had a number of challenges especially in the area of transport and communication.
As a way of enhancing infrastructure in Kalangala District, the government yesterday signed a multi-billion deal to finance various infrastructure projects.
The Shs112 billion project that was signed between investors and the government, targets the upgrading of roads, marine transport, power and water supply.
The financing is provided to Kalangala Infrastructure Services (KIS) by a consortium, which includes Nedbank Capital, Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund, GuarantCo, USAID, the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa, the Uganda Development Corporation and InfraCo Limited.
Commenting on the project, Mr John Opiro, the managing director of KIS, noted that the benefits of the project to the island and its people will be felt immediately.
He said from next month, the people of Kalangala will begin realising the fruits of the project with the first of two roll-on roll-off ferries being delivered to fast track and improve the regular service between Bukakata (mainland) and Luku (Bugala Island).
The government will pay for the ferry services and the main island road upgrade over the next 13 years.
Mr Jim Mugunga, the Ministry of Finance spokesperson, said the signing of the multi-billion project is critical to the development of Kalangala Island.
“Kalangala District is an island and the signing of the deal touches the needs of the local people. The upgrading of the roads and a ferry that will be connecting the island to the mainland is crucial for boosting trade,” Mr Mugunga said.
He added: “This is proof that the government is living up to its promise of infrastructure delivery and development in the country.”
Breaking down the project, the road infrastructure will see the 66km island road worked upon to the level of Class B gravel Standard, whereas the ferry will be maintained by constructing two operational new roll-on and roll-off passenger and vehicle ferries.
Project details
Landing sites. There will be a re-construction of two landing sites at Bukakata linking the mainland to Bugoma and Bugala Islands.
Electricity generation. The project will also see the construction of a 1.6MW hybrid solar or diesel power facility in the district to genarate power.
Water supply. The water system in the district will also be upgraded through the construction and operation of a series of solar-powered pump based water supply systems in Kalangala Town Council (“KTC”) and designated fish landing sites.
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