AMBROSE GAHENE
The Oil and Gas Convention, hosted by Uganda Chamber of Mines and Petroleum kick started in high gear at Kampala with participants tasking the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) to explain what it is doing about the poor state of roads in the oil rich Albertine region.
In a panel discussion on Oil and Gas Infrastructure Development, many participants wanted to know what is hindering UNRA to put in place all the necessary required infrastructure in the oil rich Albertine Region, yet oil will start to flow in two years’ time.
Nicholas Otim, a lawyer, asked what UNRA is doing to fix the state of roads in the oil rich region, which are in a sorry state, with tarmac roads having many potholes while the non-tarmacked ones are impassable, especially during this rain season.
Andrew Mutawe, a representative of NIC General Insurance Company also tasked UNRA to state whether bidders for road contractors in the oil rich region have insurance to carry out their tasks.
Apollo John Rwamparo, a representative of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom wanted to know why UNRA does not consult Kingdom officials while carrying out road surveys in what he termed as: “cultural sites of the oldest Kingdom in Uganda that fought colonialism for many years”.
In response to the questions, UNRA Director Network Planning Isaac Wani said; much as the roads authority is committed to putting in place adequate infrastructure in the entire country, they are hampered by challenges beyond their control.
“These include; financing constraints and procurement processes which take up to eight months”, he said, adding that Road construction requires adequate time.
On the issue of Bunyoro Kingdom cultural sites being traversed by road construction, Wani promised to take up the matter with higher authorities, to ensure it is addressed.
Nigerian High Commissioner to Uganda Dr Eubom Nya Eyoma Asuquo warned that if oil is not well managed it can become doom”.
He advised Petroleum Authority of Uganda to ensure proper regulations of oil and Gas investors, in regard to environment conservation matters and the rights of local communities.
The two day convention started on April 25 and ends today. It is aimed at bringing together players in the oil and gas industry, mines sector to discuss challenges and solutions.
