Take Translink Plan

TRANSLINK Uganda Limited has a proposal to modernise the Old Taxi Part in Kampala. Unfortunately KCC's indecision and opposition from Uganda Taxi Operators Association (UTODA) are delaying its implementation. Translink plans to remodel the park into a modern commuter facility at a cost of US $13m. It will consist of three levels. The first and second floors for passengers and commuter business while the third will accommodate offices and shops. A capital city should have such good and modern infrastructure. For over 20 years the Old Taxi Park has remained the same. Apart from re-surfacing and filling up potholes the park has never got a thorough face-lift. UTODA the current contract manager, other than collecting money, has no plan to modernise it. Besides, even in collecting the dues there are glaring accountability lapses. Drivers, taxi owners and passengers don't know how the money is spent yet they are the prime stakeholders. UTODA should face reality. Kampala is changing very fast. Small shops are giving way to shopping malls. The concept of one-stop shopping is catching on quickly. It is incorrigibly naughty to resist a modern terminal. New and modern buildings are rising up within the vicinity, why then shouldn't the park be modernised? Kampala's population is growing rapidly. During day it averages to 1.5 million with over three-quarters connecting to various destinations through the Old Park. Any good investor would tap into this creating a facility that will accommodate the rising population and transport needs. KCC should endorse Translink to begin work. And UTODA should act wise and seek a partnership deal with Translink. Identifying strategic partners is a modern way of doing business. Translink with its modern business approach and financial competence plus UTODA's experience in the transport sector would be good business. Ends