– Advertisement –
Perez Wamburu, the coordinator of the Uganda Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project, announced that construction of the long-awaited railway is poised to commence before the year’s end. This development marks a significant step forward in the project’s timeline.
Wamburu highlighted that compensation arrangements for individuals affected by the SGR project have been finalized, clearing the path for construction activities to begin. He revealed that a substantial portion of residents displaced by the project, stretching from Malaba border to Mayuge District in the Busoga sub-region, have already been compensated, with over 90% of affected individuals receiving compensation.
Jinja, a key location along the SGR route, has also progressed in compensation efforts, with affected residents informed of their entitlements before imminent payments. This indicates substantial progress in addressing the concerns of those impacted by the project.
The SGR project, initially launched eight years ago across Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, aims to streamline transportation and reduce costs associated with transit delays. Wamburu emphasized the significance of this initiative in enhancing regional connectivity and facilitating trade.
– Advertisement –
However, challenges have arisen during the compensation process, with internal family disputes over compensation funds leading to delays. The government has intervened to resolve these disputes, ensuring that compensation is distributed fairly and efficiently.
In addition to compensation efforts, preparations for construction are underway, including the selection of construction and supervising contractors. Wamburu stressed the importance of securing consultants for environmental impact assessments to prevent any potential delays in the project timeline.
The SGR project is expected to impact thousands of individuals, with over 5,000 people slated for compensation under the project’s arrangements. As of now, more than 1,500 individuals, primarily from the Eastern corridor, are in the final stages of compensation, indicating significant progress in addressing the needs of affected communities.
Asuman Isabirye, one of the project-affected persons (PAPs), expressed satisfaction with the compensation received, stating that it would provide him with the financial resources necessary to pursue business opportunities. This sentiment reflects the positive impact of compensation efforts on individuals’ livelihoods.
Julius Kayira, chairperson of Jinja PAPs, commended the transparency of the compensation exercise and urged affected individuals to peacefully vacate their properties upon receiving payment. He also appealed to the government to provide a 3-month grace period for displaced individuals to settle in new locations comfortably. This call highlights the importance of ensuring a smooth transition for affected communities during the implementation of large-scale infrastructure projects like the SGR.
Related
– Advertisement –
