Stop City Square Development â€" MPs

By Cyprian Musoke MEMBERS of Parliament have protested the proposed US$8m re-development of the Constitution Square project by Yudaya International Limited, a firm owned by Hassan Bassajjabalaba. They said the project contravenes the constitutional obligation that requires the Government and urban authorities to protect recreational places and wetlands. “The issue of our city square is one that should be looked at seriously. I don’t know whether KCC has even considered a serious environmental impact assessment otherwise, we cannot afford to look on while our green is being destroyed,” said Ken Lukyamuzi, who chaired the committee. The committee was meeting with ministers Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda of water, lands and environment, Mr. Baguma Isoke for land, and Mrs. Maria Mutagamba for water. The MPs called upon the Government to intervene and prevail upon the city council not to proceed with the project. “The Constitution obliges these people to see to the protection of recreational places and wetlands. We advise the Mayor and friends to forget any construction on that green belt,” Lukyamuzi said. Quoting sources from Kampala district tender board, The New Vision of August 10 reported that the board, chaired by Hajji Faisal Kassujja, had met on August 9 and awarded the contract to Yudaya International, a local company. Under the KCC plan, Yudaya International is expected to construct two buildings underground. A multi-storyed building would be erected on the upper side of the Square facing the High Court. The upper part is said to be 5,950 square metres, while the lower part on Kampala Road is 5,760 square metres. The buildings are to comprise a shopping arcade, airline offices and travel bureaus, among others. Open recreational grounds are expected to remain on the Square with flowers and lawn. A local firm, ID Forum, is said to have drawn the plan. The committee also asked the Government to intervene to save Nyendo and Nakayiba wetlands. Nsubuga Nsambu (Makindye West) asked the Minister of Lands to restrain presidential advisor Kakooza Mutale from intervening in land wrangles. “Kakooza Mutale continues to interfering in judicial decisions pertaining to land. Can the minister advise us on how to handle him?” Nsambu asked. Members asked the minister how competent the officials in his ministry were in handling environmental issues. “In view of the complexity attached to environmental issues, how educated are your officers in the environment discipline?” Lukyamuzi asked. Ends