By Spy Uganda
Kampala: Uganda is yet to kick off Construction works on the key strategic roads in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) next week.
Last year, the Government of Uganda and DRC signed an agreement to work together on key road networks connecting the two countries to help boost the trade industry.
As a result, Uganda’s parliament in October last year approved Shs200 billion to support the move to jointly construct over 1,000kilometre roads with the neighbouring country in the West.
President Museveni further revealed that Uganda has been on the growth path and a number of industries have been set up, adding that the move will see Uganda get a bigger market as the volume of exports to DRC will increase, unlike before.
Museveni also added the road network will ease movement of goods and other services between the two countries, “so, when you produce, you supply goods, you supply services. But you also create jobs for the youth.”
Museveni emphasized that the market factor is equally crucial noting that the Ugandan population of 42 million and that of the DRC of 80 million is not enough citing out China as a country that has guaranteed market of 1.3 billion people and yet it is still struggling for markets in other countries.
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Dott Services, one of the leading services providers in the construction industry in the East African region is now set to commence construction works next week, Trade minister Amelia Kyambadde revealed that these strategic roads will remove transportation barriers and foster trade and industry between the two neighbouring countries.
The roads include; Budiba Bridge across River Semuliki with Rwebisengo-Budiba-Bunia Access Road (78Km), Mpondwe/Kasindi-Beni Road (77km), Nebbi-Goli-Bunia Road (197km), Goma-Rutshuru-Bunagana Road (100km) and Bukavu-Goma-Butembo-Beni-Bunia Corridor (758km).
According to the bilateral agreement, Uganda will contribute 20% of the total cost of the project estimated at $334.5 million, as a measure to boost trade between the two countries.
