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- Ferry is the second delivery as per KIS agreement with the government
- Crossings will be free of charge
- New ferry to increase crossing times
Kalangala Infrastructure Services Ltd (KIS) the company that Government of Uganda contracted to develop infrastructure projects on Bugala Island through a PPP has officially commissioned the seconds ferry the MV Ssese to operate the route between Bukakata and Luku on Bugala Island.
The new ferry is the second delivery by KIS as stipulated in an agreement with the government of Uganda to replace Bukakata ferry with two new modern ferries to ease and improve transport between mainland and the Island.
While addressing the congregation at the event, Mr. John Opiro the Managing Director KIS said, “commissioning of the new ferry is yet another milestone KIS has achieved since it signed an agreement with the government of Uganda to develop modern infrastructure and transport services in Kalangala. KIS has shown its capability to deliver on its promise to provide two ferries for Bugala Island to uplift infrastructure which will pave way for development, so far evident since the arrival of the first ferry. We expect that with the MV Ssese’s arrival, there will be a surge in the rate of development.”
He continued, “KIS was contracted by the government to work on four components which include marine services, water supply which has been provided in the areas of Kasekulo, Mulabana, a 66km road rehabilitation from the landing site in Luku through the town council at Mulabana and power now supplied for 24 hours throughout kalangala. We have made significant progress in all projects and will soon launch them officially. These projects are expected to change the face of Kalangala economically by encouraging tourists and investors due to improved infrastructure.”
While officiating the event, the Minister for Works and Transport, Hon. John Byabagambi commended KIS for their progress in bringing the project to life. He said, “Am happy to see that KIS has progressed rapidly in this project. This project has been possible through a PPP, a highly effective initiative in effecting fast development. Normally they are characterized by an agreement between the government and the investor. In this case the investor injects money into the projects while the public pays for the services.”
John noted, “The new ferry operations will not be any different from the MV Pearl. Crossing from island to main land in just 20 minutes, the services will be free of charge for the habitats, but catered for by the government. It has the capacity to move 180 people and 20 vehicles for each trip it makes.
“The two ferries will operate 16 times a day crossing each other, thus lessening the burden of traffic for the people crossing between Bugala Island and Bukakata.” John concluded.
The Ferry service is part of a larger PPP infrastructure project KIS and the Government set out to develop on Bugala Island. KIS has also constructed a solar thermal Hybrid power Station, upgraded the main island road to a class B gravel road and built safe drinking water system for the Islands inhabitants.
