On the site handover in Beni and Goma:
It is my pleasure and honour to be here and witness the site handover for this regional roads project that marks the start of the construction of three roads that connect Uganda to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). During the State Visit of the President of DRC, H. E. Felix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo from 9-10 November 2019, it was agreed with the President of the Republic of Uganda, H. E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni that the two countries would implement certain strategic infrastructure projects, including the construction and upgrading of 1,182km of main roads network connecting the two countries.
On the Project Details:
During the Quadripartite Summit held on 21 February, 2020 at Katuna in Uganda, under the Luanda process, the two Heads of State of DRC and Uganda reaffirmed their commitment to the joint construction or upgrading of the roads network connecting them and agreed on the immediate joint implementation of a project covering the Mpondwe/Kasindi – Beni road (80km), Bunagana – Rutshuru – Goma Road (89km) and the Beni – Butembo (54km), which were designated as priority roads.
On Timelines and Project Specifications:
I would like to call upon the Contractor and Consultant to be mindful of the project specifications and timelines and ensure adherence to the requirements of our two Governments. The project roads are part of the strategic infrastructure projects, including the construction and upgrading of 1,182km of main roads network connecting the two Countries, to be implemented by the two Countries in the short to medium term.
On the objectives of these road projects:
The objectives of this project are: To strengthen bilateral relations between Uganda and DRC; To increase the volume of trade between Uganda and DRC; To ease ways of doing business; To improve people to people movement and security; and To fast track regional integration.
On Milestones achieved so far:
Uganda and DRC’s commitment to this project has been witnessed by four milestones. The first one is the Inter-Governmental Agreement and Project Development Agreement were signed on 27 May 2021 at State House, Entebbe, Uganda. The second one is the ground breaking ceremony at Kasindi and Mpondwe held on 16 June, 2021 was graced by our two Heads of State. The third one is the Inter-Governmental Agreement was ratified by the Cabinet of Uganda on 25 October 2021. The last one is what you have seen today. We are here for site handover so that the Contractor, DOTT SERVICES LIMITED, can commence the physical works.
On people who have seen this process thus far:
I thank the Project Steering Committee and the technical staff for the work done to reach this critical milestone. I also thank the Governor of North Kivu Province and all the local leaders for the support accorded to this very important project.
On Citizen Support:
I request citizens of Uganda and DRC to continue supporting the project, particularly to support the Contractor within DRC to familiarize with the project area, get access to project inputs and get started with the physical works. I definitely look forward to successful project implementation and should any problem arise at any time, the contractor is free to let us know and have it addressed promptly.