In a bid to cope with the increasing passenger traffic at Entebbe International Airport, Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has unveiled a grand master plan that will see the current passenger terminal expanded. Speaking during the ground breaking ceremony that was held on Tuesday at the passenger terminal; CAA Managing Director Rama Makuza revealed that the Entebbe International Airport landside terminal expansion project will include the construction of new departures and arrival blocks, strengthening of the terminal building roof structure and creation of additional business space. The project will also entail expansion of the check-in area and modification of the departures road.
Entebbe International Airport land side terminal expansion project is one of the several projects that are going to concurrently be implemented at the Airport over the next couple of years and we as CAA are funding the project to a tune of Shs42.6bn, funds that have been internally generated. This expansion project seeks to provide more room and comfort for service users, especially passengers, Makuza stated.
He added:
The 20- year master plan (2014-2033) launched in January Last year projects 930 arriving passengers and 820 departing passengers a day during peak hours by 2033 therefore the Airport expansion is critical and timely in making provisions for the growth and ensuring good customer experience in the years to come.
Makuza also stated that the terminal got some limited improvements as the country prepared for the commonwealth Heads of Government meeting (CHOGM) in 2007, elevating it to the current capacity of 410 arriving passengers and 360 departing passengers a day.
Works Minister John Byabagambi who was chief guest at the ceremony hailed the project and called on the Contractors to deliver a good product to the people of Uganda.
We (Ministry of works) will extend necessary support to ensure that the project is a success. I appeal to the contractor Seyani Brothers (U) limited and CAA to do quality work and avoid mistakes along the way. Passengers will be disrupted during the expansion and we appeal to them to bear with us until when the project is completed in December 2017, Minister Byabagambi said.
According to CAA projected annual growth figures, the passenger traffic is expected to rise from 1.4million in 2014 to 6.1million in 2033 while the cargo traffic is expected to rise from 55,000 tonnes in 2014 to 172,000 tonnes in 2034. Airport movements are expected to rise from 43,669 in 2014 to 111,200 in 2034.
The project will be undertaken by Seyani Brothers (U) Limited with Sentoogo and partners as the construction supervising consultants. The expected completion date is December 2017. Others who attended the ground breaking ceremony included CAA Board Chairman Eng. Edward Mike Ndawula and Mayor Vincent Kayanja DePaul.
