By Nelly Otto
JINJA
Parliament of Uganda has applauded Roko Construction Ltd for executing a wonderful job at the Jinja City based Uganda Hotel and Tourism Training Institute (UHTTI) which now bears a completely new face with modern equipment and other facilities to international standards.
MPs on the Parliamentary Committee of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities have assured top management at the government-owned UHTTI of Parliament’s support towards appropriating more funds to enable the facility achieve its vision and mission.
The lawmakers gave the assurance during their day-long inspection of Jinja City-based UHTTI and the Source of the Nile Modern Pier currently undergoing reconstruction.
The MP Kaberamaido County Hon Alfred Edakasi Elalu-Olale who led the team that comprised of a handful of lawmakers and dozens of parliament workers and officials from the tourism and finance ministries says his team is convinced that UHTTI is on the right track.
“…from what we have seen on the ground with the quality of work done at both the hotel and institute, we are fully convinced and satisfied that there is value for money,” he said.
Other members who included Hon David Isabirye Aga (Jinja North), Hon Betty Engola (Apac), Hon Boniface Henry Okot(Northern Youth) and Hon Herbert Tom Kinobere(Kibuku County) heaped praises on Roko Construction for the high-level quality and professionalism in executing the project expected to add value to the tourism sector and Jinja City.
The most critical concern is the issue of a Girls Hostel at the now modern Training Institute which is near complete and the contractor Roko Construction Company is on the final touches ahead of the commissioning expected to be done some few months later this year.
Hon Edakasi Elalu-Olale who was flanked by other committee members promised to go back and push for more funds to be included in the budget towards the construction of a modern girls’ hostel.
According to the UHTTI Principal Richard Kawere, the Girls Hostel expected to cost 4B Uganda shillings is a strategic facility that will enhance the institute’s mandate, strengthening hospitality training and indirectly supporting the country’s sustainable tourism sector growth mandate.
Scope of the works for the four storied building will accommodate 676 girls who will also have at their disposable common rooms where they chit and chat and external ancillary.
The committee’s visit was to inspect the progress of the hotel and institute’s new infrastructures ahead of a planned official commissioning by President Yoweri Museveni later this year.
UHTTI, also known as Crested Hotel, is a government-owned tertiary institution established in 2015 by an Act of Parliament, aims to provide knowledge and skills in hospitality and tourism management.
According to management, the Institute has been undergoing renovations, with the hotel component already at completion level and now in the 12 months defects liability period meant to detect and patch up questionable areas.
The project is Government of Uganda-funded by the World Bank through the Competitiveness and Enterprise Development Project (CEDP).
The Project Coordinator attached to CEDP John Mary Kyewalabye who also attended the meeting was equally happy at the quality of works executed by Roko Construction Ltd.
The hotel is valued at Shs 24 billion, while the institute is worth Shs 19 billion.
Upon full completion, the new infrastructure is expected to increase student enrollment from the current 1,000 to at least 1,500.
The Roko Project Manager Blass welcomed the commendation from Uganda’s parliament which gives them motivation to continue serving Uganda diligently guided by their slogan as “The Standard of Construction Excellence” in Africa striving to deliver cost-effective construction works.
The Institute offers diploma and certificate courses in hotel management, tourism management, pastry and bakery, and other related fields.
The UHTTI is redefining hospitality and tourism education by fostering partnerships with renowned local and international institutions and organizations.
One such entity is the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI, a well-established and reputable organization in the hospitality industry.
According to Kawere, they have already signed a memorandum of Understanding (MoU)with AHLEI whose certifications and training programmes are designed to enhance career prospects and professional development in the hospitality sector.
AHLEI is also known for offering industry-recognized certifications for hospitality professionals such as front desk, housekeeping and management roles.
The organization also provide training and education that align with industry standards and best practices.
UHTTI managers hope that with AHLEI’s strong global reputation, global reach and industry recognition make it a trusted partner for hospitality education and training of its staff and students on exchange programme.
What you Need To Know About Roko Construction Ltd
Roko is a celebrated civil engineering company in Uganda, founded way back in 1969 by Max Rohrer and Rainer Koehler with its headquarters situated in Kawempe Division in Kampala.
The company known for its quality works is active in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda Congo and South Sudan which makes it a significant player in East African construction.
Some notable projects it has undertaken include Basilica of the Uganda Martyrs Namugongo, where Roko was the lead contractor for the iconic project which began in 1967 and concluded in 1975.They also carried out its renovations in 2015.
Roko also constructed the magnificent Mapeera House which is home to Centenary Bank. It also built the headquarters of development Finance Company of Uganda (DFCU)bank, a subsidiary of DFCU Limited.
