Lucky Patrick
Fort Portal city authorities are targeting to benefit from a loan, which Ugandan government is set to secure from the French Development Agency [FDA] in order to address climate change and urbanization.
This, is also meant to foster economic growth in the city.
The funds, are also aimed at improving the status of four secondary cities namely Fort Portal, Arua, Mbarara, and Soroti as regards to climate change mitigation measures and promoting local economic growth.
In a June 30, 2022 letter, the Lands, housing, and urban development Ministry, says that the government has secured a consortium of consultancy firms to support the elaboration of urban diagnoses, identification of priority investment projects, and conduct of feasibility studies across the selected cities.
Moses Otimong, the Fort Portal city clerk, says that the Ministry of lands, housing and urban development, has contracted a French consultancy firm, to assess the possibility of the project being funded to improve economic development and addressing climatic change come 2023/2024 financial year.
Notably to Otimong, Fort Portal will receive at least Shillings 60 billion from the very loan. This will be used to handle specific areas of interest, including environmental conservation and laying strategies for the local economic development of the cities through infrastructure development.
Meanwhile, Fort Portal has prioritized the conservation of River Mpanga, the establishment and improvement of markets across the city, and the rehabilitation of roads to ease access to the city center, which will also promote economic growth through trade.
Edison Asaba Ruyonga, the Fort Portal city mayor, says that the funds will enable Fort Portal city improve the status of infrastructure, particularly roads, and also create trade order in order to realize an organized urban set up.
The mayor revealed that leaders are currently launching a campaign, to mobilize and sensitize the population on benefiting from the opportunities that come along with development.
