Liao Shen Industrial Park in Kapeeka Celebrates 10th Anniversary
Speaking at the 10th Anniversary celebrations yesterday at the Industrial Park in Kapeeka, Nakaseke district, the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury (PSST) Dr. Ramathan Ggoobi said the industrial park model is the most appropriate for countries like Uganda because it concentrates infrastructure such as power, roads and water in a particular area making it attractive for investors to set up industries.
He said it was gratifying to see a transformed area which was just a maize garden about 12 years ago. The Industrial Park seated on 5.2 square kms of land with projected investment of about USD 600 million.
The PSST gave an assurance that Government of Uganda was ready and committed to continue investing in infrastructure for all industrial parks, adding that the Plan is to build 24 industrial parks across the country.
Dr. Ggoobi said all industrial parks must now focus on ensuring that local content increases in the parks by using locally sourced materials and equipping young people with transferable skills.
"How do we ensure that we provide good jobs, that pay well-a living wage?” asked Ggoobi, adding that Government will continue providing incentives as long as investors align with what the country aspires to achieve.
The Chief Coordinator Operation Wealth Creation and Senior Presidential Advisor on Defence, Gen. Salim Saleh who was the Chief guest said the Park now produces over 1000 products from the initial dream of 50 products, adding that 36,000 jobs have been created and people are now distributing these goods to the various markets.
Gen.Saleh however challenged the historical leaders of this area including former Finance Minister Syda Bbumba to explore suitable ways of addressing the rampant poverty and unemployment especially among the communities surrounding the industrial park.
Kapeeka industrial park has more than 30 operating factories and some of the products include: electric cables and appliances, ceramic floor tiles, ceramic sanitary and kitchen ware, agricultural tools, food processing, shoes, bags, clothes, fishing nets and gears among others.
