By Denilson Nkunda
Many Ugandans have been wondering why Uganda is hell bent on constructing roads in DR Congo. Well, the question was answered on Wednesday, December 1, by Eng. Steven Kitonsa, the Commissioner for Roads and Bridges at the Ministry of Works.
He revealed that upon completion of the project, trade between the two countries will improve from the current USD500M (Shs 1.7 Trillion) to USD2b (Shs7trn). Overall, he said the project will improve trade, bilateral relations, security and as well promote regional integration.
Kitonsa who is a member of the project’s steering committee tasked with fast tracking its execution to the dot, made these remarks during the committee’s tour and inspection of equipment to be used by contractor- LoganDott Services ltd at the latter’s Namanve based Inland Custom Deports (ICD).
The steering committee of nine members and composed of technical officials from DRC (3), Ministry of Works-Uganda (3) and the contractor-LoganDott (3) was set up to ensure both countries do the needful. It has been reviewing the consultant’s report that is made up of details on the feasibility, scope of work and the interventions going to be made on the project.
The purpose of Wednesday’s visit at Dott’s Namanve ICDs, was for the committee to verify the contractor’s equipment capacity and readiness, something that will enable the latter to complete a report whose recommendations will pave the way for the commencement of the first phase of the project.
The chairperson of the project steering committee and the Ambassador of DRC to Uganda, H.E Jeane Pierre Massala was pleased with the quality of the equipment that have been procured to handle the road works.
“We are pleased by the quality and the number of the equipment that we have found on the site. What we have seen on the ground shows the goodwill by the Contractor (Dott Services Limited) and the commitment and seriousness which is a sure deal to fulfill the commitment that was made by the two heads of states of Congo and Uganda.”
He further said that their presence at the site inspection shows the level of commitment on their side as Congo. “Our presence here is part of the commitment taken by the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo to participate and be active in the achievement of these roads which will promote security, economic and social links between the two countries. We reassure you that we are committed to this project on behalf of our dear President Felix Tshikedi.”
He also thanked the members of the steering committee for the commitment and manifestation of their willingness to work, which he said is a proof of goodwill that the project will see the light of day. He further said that more meetings will be held in Beni and Goma in the DRC to ensure that the project ground works begin as soon as possible.
Engineer Jamesone Olonya, the contracts manager Dott Services said that they have the capacity to handle the project because they already have the necessary equipment and more are on transit.
So far they have assembled 40 trucks, 22 rollers, 22 graders, and 22 excavators among others ready to be moved to designated sites in DRC.
On how the company will work with the Congolese people, he had this to say: “We are also going to be looking at
I like the company