As the summit is moving closer Entebbe International Airport has so far completed 70% of the renovations in preparation for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) due November. The Project that begun earlier 2007 included expansion of the airport, arrival hall, refurbishment of the departure concourse, installation of passenger bridges, construction of the Very Very Important People (VVIP) lounge and the domestic passenger terminal and installation of an air space management radar.
The Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) public affairs officer, Vianney Luggya says expansion of the arrival lounge has progressed by 78%, while renovation of the departure concourse has advanced by 69%. He further added that the domestic passenger operations’ terminal, with an access road and car park, equipment and furniture, has improved by 70%. This will separate domestic passengers from international passengers and improve on security. Works on the security and watchtowers has progressed by 34%. The installation of the air traffic and airspace management radar, which will be able to detect planes at a distance of 450 miles, has progressed by 84% and will improve air traffic management.
The beautification of Entebbe-Kampala corridor from Airport Road to Muzinga Park in Entebbe town, has progressed will also be complete by October. Vianney said that during CHOGM, passenger and commercial planes would use the Entebbe International Airport, while domestic flights will be shifted to the old airport.
The deputy-managing director CAA, Dr Rama Makuza, said the projects were part of a 20-year master plan for the airport, but were rushed due to CHOGM and to meet the deadline for the summit
Rama Makuza added that the projects are expected to ensure separation of domestic from international passengers in line with international requirements. However, although work on the new parking apron has so far progressed by 57%, the facility will only be able to accommodate 20 planes of heads of states. More space will be created at the airport terminal and the old airport. Sources said Entebbe International Airport can’ not handle a concord plane, which is the official transport for the queen.
According to the Public Relations officer of CAA, the Airport is undoubtedly the main gateway to Uganda. Over 90% of the delegates coming for CHOGM will have to go through Airport one of the objective of the meetings is to showcase Uganda as a country with capacity to host such meeting as well as promoting tourism in Uganda. The airport has the necessary capacity; gross traffic projections of up to 2022 were made. There is only the expansion of minimum space, which already started in September 2006. This will include physical expansion for the area; repairing the floor, the ceiling, air conditioning and introducing new baggage reclaim belts that will all be ready soon. Security will be at its best during CHOGM, which were worked on already.
CHOGM will not only benefit Ugandans but tourists who will visit the country after the summit. Some of the national parks were identified for lodges and hotel development that will help improve tourism facilities in Uganda. Potholes in the City will no longer disrupt urban tours as well as Uganda tour circuit as one explores the pearl of Africa.