The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Manager of Public Affairs Vianney Mpungu Luggya, has clarified the water incident that engulfed the car parking at the Entebbe International Airport on April 8, 2024.
In a statement released April 7, 2024, Luggya, said that the airport experienced a heavy downpour which overwhelmed their drainage system, causing a backflow in some of the car parking lots lasting for about 30-40 minutes before clearing completely.
“We would like to assure every one of our determined efforts to implement corrective measures aimed at ensuring a better passenger experience,” the statement reads in part.
He noted that there are multiple projects underway, including the construction of a new terminal building and the interconnection of the drainage system to accommodate these new developments which are scheduled to be completed in a year.
CAA appealed to the public to be patient and bear with them during the period the works are underway, adding that, all these projects are being carried out to provide a seamless experience for airport users.
However, some travelers and a few citizens on social media expressed disappointment over the water incident and questioned why other international airports do not overflood with water during heavy rains; they blamed it on corruption and poor workmanship and called on the government and the Ministry of Works to find a lasting solution soon since the rains have just started and are not about to stop.
CAA launched the expansion project in 2015 with a scheduled completion date in 2023 for the first phase and 2033 for the whole project at a cost of 200 USD.