Government secures Shs7b for Katuna border post works

While visiting the border post last week, the State minister for Planning, Mr David Bahati, said government is funding the project.
“Government has secured Shs7 billion out of the Shs15 billion required for the construction of the one-stop border at Katuna. Construction has already resumed and government is looking for the Shs8b required to complete the work,” Mr Bahati said.

The work is expected to be completed in December.

Contractor back
Amugoli General Enterprises Ltd was awarded the contract in July 2014 but later stopped working due to non-payment.
The company’s managing director, Mr Joseph Eyatu, last week said they are back on the site “and the works are progressively going on well.”

The LC5 chairperson, Mr Patrick Besigye Keihwa, on Friday said the border post will facilitate quick clearance of goods and create employment.
“It is our wish that the construction of this one stop border post is completed as soon as possible so that the traders can get the desired services. There is need for close supervision to ensure that there is value for money on this multi-billion project,” Mr Keihwa said.

The mayor of Katuna Town Council, Mr Nelson Nshangabasheija, said the works resumed in November last year.
“We are extremely happy and grateful to government for raising the funds. I am sure once the infrastructure has been completed, our town council will look nice and beautiful. The stalled buildings had made our town council look ugly,” he said.

Allegations
Mr Nshangabasheija asked government to intervene in the alleged harassment of Ugandan traders in Rwanda, citing several cases.

Responding to the matter, minister Bahati said government through the ministries of Foreign Affairs, and Trade was arranging to meet the Rwandan government to harmonise cross-border trade and streamline the security of members of the business community.

Officials of government agencies in both countries operate under one roof at the border post.