UGANDA: EACOP Concludes Construction of Houses for all PAPs

EACOP Ltd. has reported it has successfully concluded the construction of resettlement houses for Project Affected Persons in Uganda. In line with the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) implementation, a total of 177 replacement houses have been constructed for the Project Affected Persons (PAPs) across various districts including Kikuube, Kakumiro, Kyankwanzi, Sembabule, Rakai, Kyotera, and Lwengo. This significant milestone signifies the completion of the construction and delivery of all 177 houses for the benefit of the PAPs.

The handover ceremony was officiated by the Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Mubende District. Mr. Birungi Abubakah commended EACOP Ltd. for the unwavering commitment and support in ensuring the well-being of the Project Affected Persons.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. John Bosco Habumugisha, the Deputy Managing Director of EACOP Ltd., expressed gratitude to the people of Mubende, including those from the local government, sub-county, and community levels, for wholeheartedly embracing the project. Despite facing criticism, Mr. Habumugisha acknowledged the support from the local community who have witnessed the positive impact of the project, becoming ambassadors in spreading awareness of its benefits.

Mr. Habumugisha further reassured the Project Affected Persons that EACOP is fully committed to restoring and enhancing the lives of the Project Affected Persons. To facilitate a smooth transition, the company provides transitional support in the form of food baskets and relocation assistance. Additionally, psycho-social support is offered to vulnerable individuals and those adapting to new environments. EACOP has also implemented innovative livelihood restoration programs aimed at empowering the Project Affected Persons by improving their income-earning capacity, production levels, and overall quality of life.

Notably, EACOP prioritized national content by engaging Ugandan-owned construction companies, such as Technical Masters Ltd, Egis Engineering Contractors, Excel Construction, and Epsilon, for the construction of all 177 houses. The selection of these companies was based on their proximity to the pipeline, ensuring the utilization of local expertise. To maintain top-notch quality assurance and control, EACOP enlisted the services of KATT Consult Ltd and Bureau Veritas Uganda Ltd as supervision contractors.

Out of a total of 3,648 Project Affected Persons in Uganda, only 203 individuals experienced physical displacement, and the majority of 177 PAPs chose replacement housing as their preferred option.

EACOP remains dedicated to continued engagement with the project-affected communities. Their valuable feedback will continue to shape the planning and implementation of resettlement activities, fostering a collaborative effort towards empowerment and a brighter future for all stakeholders involved.