Several stakeholders including leaders and technical staff have called for development of the master plan for the oil refinery area that is inclusive and pro people.
This comes as the ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development is preparing to the master plan of the Hoima Oil Refinery Proximity Area-HORPA which covers areas near the oil refinery which are located both in Hoima and Kikuube districts.
Today, Eco Shelters and Environment Consultants a firm which was hired by the lands ministry to spearhead the development of the master plan, presented the diagnostic analysis SESA scoping report to the district leadership at Hoima Youth Center, highlighting the major key areas of concern before the master plan is developed.
The team was led by Professor Hannington Ssengendo from ESEC and Murungi Ronald a planner from the lands ministry.
Murungi said that Hoima Oil Refinery proximity area is comprised of several key projects which include the Kabalega Industrial park,the Kabalega international airport,Refinery Zone,Pipeline,transport corridor and human settlement.
He says there are several issues which need much attention. These include; promotion of investment in economic activities, improvement of health, education and other social services. Protection of environment and land rights are also key components which should be captured in the master plan.
Jackson Mulindambula the district councilor for Kiganja sub county has urged the lands ministry to expand the development of the master plan of the refinery to areas along the Lake Albert shores in order to plan and consider the indigenous communities.
The Hoima CAO, Emmanuel Ssempala has called for continuous support of investment in Hoima district in order to tap into the emerging opportunities in the oil and gas sector.He says Hoima district local government is ready to implement and support the process of developing a master plan that considers all stakeholders.
In his remarks, Hillary Tumusiime who represented the LVC Chairman reechoed the need to use the diagnostic analysis report information by integrating it in the district development plan and budgets.
He has urged all stakeholders in the district to foster development by sensitizing communities on how best they can be positioned to benefit from the opportunities that will come along with the construction of the oil refinery in Hoima district.
