The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Manager of Public Affairs Vianney Mpungu Luggya, has explained circumstances that let to water engulfing the car parking at the Entebbe International Airport.
In a statement released on 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.