The contractor, a joint venture of Israeli-British firms, Shikun and Binui International-SBI/Colas Limited, had initially planned to hand over the airport to the government last month.
Amos Muriisa, the Communications Manager at SBC, explained in an interview with Uganda Radio Network-URN that they are seeking for more fifteen months to allow for the completion of crucial remaining works, such as the construction of the control tower, installation of electricity, Installation of CCTV Cameras, fiber optic cables and other operations at the airport.
The contractor, a joint venture of Israeli-British firms, Shikun & Binui International-SBI/Colas Limited, had initially planned to officially hand over the airport to the government on December 26th.
The contractor, a joint venture of Israeli-British firms, Shikun & Binui International-SBI/Colas Limited, had initially planned to hand over the airport to the government in June 2023. However, several factors have contributed to the delay.
The contractor for the airport construction works, a joint venture of Israeli-British firms, Shikun & Binui International-SBI/Colas limited halted the construction works at the airport a month ago following government’s failure to allocate them more 126 billion shillings to complete the remaining works.
Byamukama says recently the contractor under unclear circumstances demanded for extra 126 billion shillings from the government to help them complete works of the airport yet government earlier allocated the contractor all the money it needed to construct the airport.
The company said in a letter to staff that the decision was in line with the government guidelines to control the spread of the COVID-19 Pandemic. It, however, comes at a time when the government is easing restrictions that started in March.
. Samuel Kisembo, the Hoima Resident District Commissioner-RDC who also chairs the Hoima District COVID-19 Task Force, says they cleared the Company to resume work after complying with all the guidelines issued by the COVID-19 preventive guidelines issued by the Health Ministry.
Mihail Gorachinov, the Senior Project Manager SBC Company says they thought it was wise to come up with an initiative that can help the district in fighting the pandemic as soon as possible during this period of national and international crisis.