By Ambrose Gahene
Uganda is set to start the construction of Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Malaba border to Kampala with the local companies participating in the Labour force. Eng. Perez Wamburu, the SGR Project Coordinator, made the revelation at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala on Tuesday.
Eng. Wamburu said the project shall attract local subcontractors in the supply of cement, steel, earthen materials (aggregates, sand, ballast and gravel), labour-skilled, semi and unskilled.
“Other services to be carried out by Ugandan local contractors shall include provision of services such as; legal, communication, financial services , security services, equipment leasing or construction, logistics, clearing and forwarding , tourism and hospitality and medical plus health services among others”, he said in a statement.
Eng. Wamburu said pushing the National Content agenda also targets skills development through training, educational partnerships, job opportunities, technology transfer and enterprise development, by enhancing supplier capacity, access to finance and business clinics.
Mr. Richard Sendi, Head of Planning and Strategy SGR Project, said the Contractor, Yapi Merkezi is already on the ground and has commenced preliminary works; including geotechnical surveys, topographic surveys, materials site identification, all set up of a campsite, concrete yard and patching plant and establishing a railway sleeper factory along the corridor.
“Out of the 12 Districts traversed by the railway corridor, land acquisition has now reached Buikwe- the ninth District from Tororo town”, he said.
He added that; valuation reports for Mukono, Wakiso Districts and Kampala City are currently before the Chief Government Valuer (CGV) awaiting approval and compensation, which will follow thereafter.
“Other technical preparations including the extension of electricity lines are ongoing alongside harmonizing with regional states like Kenya”, he added.
According to the SGR Project statement, the Ministry of Works and Transport will hold the first SGR National Content Symposium in Kampala this Friday.
The Symposium will run under the theme: “Unlocking Local Potential through Modern Rail Infrastructure” and will officially be opened by Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, the Minister of Works and Transport together with private and public sector players.