Makerere University officially handed over the restoration project of the main building to Excel Constructions Ltd on Monday, March 14 to kick start operations on the iconic structure since its fire-related destruction in 2020.
Reportedly, the restoration will cost the university around UGX 21 billion with aid from the government and donations. The availability of the funds however seems not be an issue but the administration has taken keen interest in making sure the work is completed in the shortest time possible.
Speaking to the media, Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof Barnabas Nawangwe intimated that the contractor has been tasked to complete the reconstruction before the end of centenary celebrations; approximated at 7 months today.
“We gave instructions that the contractor should ensure the main work in [Makerere University’s] main building is completed by the date when we have the 100-year celebration climax (8th October 2022),” Prof Nawangwe remarked.
Given the complexity of works projects, odds may be too high to accomplish perfectly such a project within the exact stated time frame.
Fire gutted the iconic building popularly known as the Ivory Tower in 2020. After over a year, the university hopes that the old building will be partially demolished, a new structure set up and work completed before the centennial celebrations.
Additionally, only a few departments will be housed at the new main building according to resolutions from the university council. These include the Office of the Vice-Chancellor and his deputies together with the University Secretary. The rest of the departments like human resources, public relations and finance will find new office space.
