UGANDA, Gulu | Real Muloodi News | The multi-billion-dollar Gulu Logistics Hub in Layibi Gown ward, Bar-dege-Layibi Division in Gulu City, nears completion.
The European Union with UK’s Department for International Development (DFID) through TradeMark East Africa funded the USh 29.5 billion facilities.
Ambitious Construction Ltd has the contract to carry out the construction. The facility will serve the trade corridors of Kampala–Gulu–Elegu/Nimule–Juba and Gulu–Pakwach Goli/Pader/Lira/Vurra DRC.
While visiting the site, Mr Musa Ecweru, the State Minister for Works and Transport, said, “Parliament has sent me to find out the progress and status of the project.” “I am very happy with the engineers and contractors for the good job that I am seeing despite all the challenges brought by Covid-19, which delayed the construction and other issues.” “I pray all our strategic projects can be taken with the zeal I see here but this takes the leadership we have.”
The minister also praised the government for constructing the hub in Gulu, noting that Gulu City had experienced many problems in the previous two decades. It needed this type of development initiative.
He also thanked the Gulu authorities and people for welcoming the project and urged the leaders to educate them on how they could benefit from the logistics hub, encouraging other developments like hotels and markets.
Mr Brian Asiimwe, the project engineer, said that despite the delays because of the Coronavirus pandemic, construction is currently at 83%, and the facility will be ready for use by November. “The first phase will handle 20,000 metric tonnes of cargo from Kenya,” said Mr Asiimwe.
The hub will handle over 500,000 containers of cargo at a time. Its services will include taking break bulk, containers, storage and space for stakeholders (including freight forwarders, shippers and transport operators) dealing with freight transport.
Other related services include tax payment, banking and information communication tech, customs inspections, maintenance and repair.
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