________________

Construction of the long-awaited multi-billion modern pier at the Source of the Nile in Jinja city is on course, despite some delays occasioned by the current heavy rains.

The sh17b project funded by the Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Tourism Wildlife and Antiquities, was contracted to Excel Construction Company Limited and was initially meant to run from October 1, 2023, to October 1, 2024.

However, it officially kicked off on January 18, 2024, when a commencement letter was released and will end on January 18, 2025, according to Stephen Male the quantity surveyor.

“We hope to work within the stipulated time and hand over the project by January 18, 2025, if all factors remain constant,” Male said in an interview with New Vision on Thursday.

Male who said works in the first quarter mainly focused on the foundation, currently stand at 7%, and regretted that progress has been significantly affected by the torrential rains that are being experienced in the region.

As a result of the heavy rains, he said sometimes trucks ferrying building materials fail to gain access to the construction site and work has to be halted for some time until the situation improves.

Male was however optimistic that once the rains subside, there will be more progress and efforts will be made to compensate for the lost time, adding that by the second quarter, he hopes the consultant would have submitted all the drawings/designs.

“We haven’t received the final set of drawings from the consultant (who represents the ministry) but once we get all the designs and rains reduce, we shall devise ways to scale up the work which may include increasing the workforce at the site,” he said.

About the pier

Pier

The pier will be situated on the Jinja side of the river overlooking Njeru and will have state-of-the-art facilities that are expected to attract more visitors to the spot, a globally recognised tourism site.

It will among other facilities consist of, a viewing bridge made of fibreglass, water fountains, two viewing decks, a surveillance room and a rescue room.

Others include three administration offices, an archive, stores, toilets, restrooms, an outside lobby, reception, a restaurant plus 22 craft shops which will be allocated to vendors who will meet the required market standards, according to Jinja city public relations officer Rajab Kito.

Daudi Migereko, the chairman Uganda Tourism Board in an earlier interview, expressed optimism that upgrading the site to international standards would attract more tourists, increase job opportunities and consequently, revenue.

He also noted that domestic tourism had taken root and that the government has plans to develop other tourism sites across the country.