Kalangala Infrastructure Services (KIS) has started $45m (about sh102.6b) development projects in Ssesse Islands. The area is made up of 84 islands.

The firm will construct and operate two ferries, build a 1.6-megawatt solar plant, upgrade the 66km main island roads and develop a water supply system in Kalangala, according to John Opiro, the managing director.

He explained that the project would be undertaken under a public-private partnership between the Government, KIS and the people of Kalangala. Opira said the two ferries would be ready by June 2011.

“The ferries are currently under construction in Mwanza, Tanzania and the ferry crew are also being trained at Dar es Salaam Maritime Institute to ensure that they acquire the necessary skills to man the ferries.”

There are few ferries linking Kalangala to the mainland. The Government, Opira said, would decide whether to subsidise the ferry fare for the people of Kalangala under the agreement for the project.

“The Government, through the works and transport ministry, will decide on whether or not the ferry services will be free of charge.”

MV Kalangala, which plies the Bukakata (Entebbe)-Kalangala route was grounded months back and is presently undergoing repairs.

By Samuel Balagadde