Agric. & Environment
Gombe Community breaks ground for sh1.2b agriculture lab
The euros 290,070.96 (about sh1.2b) project is funded by the European Union and the Kingdom of Belgium and implemented by Enabel under the WeWork Green and Decent Jobs for Youth programme, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Sports.
Kisangala (second from left), mayor of Gombe Division Mbabazi Hawa Nyindo, Nansana Municipality Mayor John Sserunkuuma and other officials during the ground breaking ceremony. (Credit: Ali Twaha)
By: Ali Twaha, Journalist @New Vision
WAKISO - Gombe Community Polytechnic Institute (CPI) in Nansana Municipality has broken ground for a sh1.2b agriculture laboratory, a project officials say will open up skilling opportunities for youth.
The euros 290,070.96 (about sh1.2b) project is funded by the European Union and the Kingdom of Belgium and implemented by Enabel under the WeWork Green and Decent Jobs for Youth programme, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Sports.
William Kairu, the head trainer at Gombe CPI, said enrolment has grown from 250 to 420 students, but infrastructure gaps have long limited how many learners the institute could take in.
“Infrastructure has been one of the major hindrances to enrolment. Many learners could come, but the infrastructure was not enough for them, so it limited us,” Kairu said.
“Infrastructure has been one of the major hindrances to enrolment. Many learners could come, but the infrastructure was not enough for them, so it limited us,” Kairu said.
Emmanuel Kisangala, the Enabel project manager, said the works are expected to be completed within 12 months and urged close monitoring to ensure value for money.
"I encourage all stakeholders to remain active in supervision and monitoring to ensure quality, accountability, value for money and timely completion of this project. We also want the local contractor to tap into the local expertise, because the community can supply workers around if they qualify,” Kisangala said, adding that the goal is to equip young people with skills that lead to employment.
John Ssenyange, the LC1 Chairman for Gombe Division, pledged local oversight of the works on behalf of the community.
The works include an agriculture laboratory for food and soil testing, a 150 cubic metre water storage tank, a 10,000-litre rainwater harvesting system and solar motorisation, alongside a 15-year master plan for the institute.
"I encourage all stakeholders to remain active in supervision and monitoring to ensure quality, accountability, value for money and timely completion of this project. We also want the local contractor to tap into the local expertise, because the community can supply workers around if they qualify,” Kisangala said, adding that the goal is to equip young people with skills that lead to employment.
John Ssenyange, the LC1 Chairman for Gombe Division, pledged local oversight of the works on behalf of the community.
The works include an agriculture laboratory for food and soil testing, a 150 cubic metre water storage tank, a 10,000-litre rainwater harvesting system and solar motorisation, alongside a 15-year master plan for the institute.