The construction of Gulu Logistics hub has begun. Works is being undertaken by Ambitious Construction Limited.
Patrick Kinyera the Gulu district secretary for works said the construction work begun this week with site clearance, foundation laying and grading at the container store and transit goods sections.
Mr. Kinyera disclosed that the project is valued at US$ 29 million approximately 107.3 billion shillings and will comprise a dry port with both rail and truck terminals.
The hub is located on a 54 acres piece of land in Layibi Division Gulu Municipality. The land was allocated by the Uganda Railway Corporation. Construction is funded by European Union together with UK`s Department for International Development (DFID) through Trademark East Africa (TMEA).
Kinyera said in an interview on Wednesday that the site engineer disclosed that the works will last for eighteen months.
Moses Sabitti the Country Director for TMEA says that the hub will be able to handle more than 500,000 containers at a time.
Sabitti said major features of the hub includes container freight station; customs clearing site; container holding station; container cleaning and repair station and vehicle holding stations.
Other services will include tax payment, maintenance and repair, banking, information and communication technology among others. The hub is located adjacent to the current Gulu Railway Station.
Gulu district chairperson Martin Ojara Mapenduzi is optimistic that the hub will not only provide job opportunities but also facilitate movement in Uganda through the Northern Region by reducing transport costs, improving efficiency in the movement of goods for farming communities of Northern Uganda.
