Gulu City allocates new site for the industrial area, with housing taking over 40% of the land

GULU – The new plan for Gulu City proposes a new site for the establishment and construction of the industrial area as physical developments begin to take shape.

Currently, Gulu City’s industrial area is located in the industrial area sub-ward, Bar-dege Layibi division.

However, most of the businesses situated in the industrial area are agro-produce stores.

The new proposal by Global Green Grot Institution projects medium and major industries to be located in Lajwatek in Koro, while the lighter industries are planned to be located in Acoyo.

The plan also puts Owak as the host for agro-produce industries and warehousing, restricting the current industrial area of Layibi for warehousing only.

The new city plan, if approved, also predicts massive growth for smaller trading centers including Paminanongo, Oitino, Alokolum, Unyama ward, Twon Okun and Acoyo among others in the two city divisions of West and East.

The plan also projects that in 18 years’ time, Gulu City might be hosting more than 500,000 people from neighboring Acholi sub-region districts, and countries like South Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo among others. It is estimated that by then, housing will take 40% of the land within the City.

Housing including high and medium density are expected to cover 10780 acres and 12394 acres of land accounting for 19% and 21% respectively.

Ivan Lule, an Executive Member of the National Planning Authority (NPA) speaking in an interview with our reporter says, whereas the new city plans are being reviewed, it’s important for the locals and city authorities to have a common understanding and position in order for development to take place.

Lule says, for a new city like Gulu which is a regional city to pick up, the housing and industrial area are key because thousands will want to come and invest in the city.

Currently, less than 1% of Gulu City’s more than 250 square kilometers of land is being utilized for industrial purposes, yet industries have the largest capacity for growth in any given area.

Dagmar Zwebe, the Country Representative for GGGI which is funding the development of the new city plan says, whereas the city needs industries to spearhead its infrastructural development, there’s urgent need for renewable energy and environmental protection.

Zwebe says, already there’s a great threat on the environment especially wetlands and forests that have been encroached on by the locals and investors in Gulu City.

Alfred Okwonga, the Gulu City Mayor says, that the new proposed sites are strategically located but, however, there will be need for sufficient and consistent power.

Okwonga says, that the city is already in negotiations with land owners especially in the areas that have been tipped for the establishment of the industrial area.

Initially, Gulu’s industrial area was proposed to be developed in Oding, in Unyama sub-county, which now falls under the administrative areas of Gulu District Local Government.

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