A local community in Uganda has shunned a telecentre built in Queen Elizabeth National Park that was constructed as part of the preparations for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting last year.
According to Sarah Awino, the centre manager, residents complained the facility was too far away from their homes.
Located at Kikorongo at Queen's Pavilion, the centre was launched by Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, on 23 November last year, and became operational in January.
"The government spent sh690m to establish the facility that was intended to assist tourists visiting the park exchange foreign currency and residents living nearby to use some of its resources," says Awino. "There is a computer training school, Internet services, recreation and craft shop."
She adds that since the computer school has opened, not a single member of the local community had made use of the computers now lying idle. "Internet access costs locals sh50 per minute, and foreigners sh200."
Muzamiru Bisanga, councillor for Lake Katwe, says the telecentre was constructed without consulting the community.
He explains that in the past, residents were barred from entering the park because it was a restricted area. "Game rangers would kill people collecting firewood and herbs in the park, so residents are still afraid."
According to Bisanga, the leaders were trying to mobilise the people to sell their handicrafts at the centre and send their children to train in computer skills.
The park warden, Ben Ejadu, says the number of tourists using the centre had increased because in January they received 127 visitors, while 149 visited in February. He notes that the recreational facilities at the centre are free of charge for the residents but are not being used.
Share
