The World Food Program (WFP) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) recently begun construction of joint office premises in Kampala. A ground breaking ceremony for the multimillion dollar project was held recently in Mbuya, Kampala.
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Both agencies claim that by sharing premises, they would be able to cut their long term operational costs. They will also provide a safe and healthy working environment for their staff. This will allow them to be more productive in serving Uganda’s most vulnerable groups.
Additionally, it is expected to strengthen the partnership between WFP and UNICEF. As a result, it will facilitate the implementation of programmes that the UN agencies are carrying out together. Such programmes include, social protection for refugees and host communities and school feeding. It will also address malnutrition in the Karamoja sub region.
Susan Ngongi Namondo, the UN Resident Coordinator in Uganda, said that the joint office premises shows their aim in Uganda to deliver as one UN. They are working together to maximize the use of their resources while delivering their best to the people they serve.
Dorothy Kisaka, the executive director of the KCCA, was present during the ground breaking occasion.
What the joint office premises will feature
According to her, the facilities, which are located on 2.6 acres of land leased by UNICEF, will have parking, health amenities, gender sensitive services including breastfeeding rooms, green gardens, as well as a separate conference facility.
Additionally, she said that special focus will be given to ensure that the premises are energy efficient, using solar energy and natural light to their maximum capacity. She said that they will maximize on using natural light.
Additionally, it will offer sewage treatment, water recycling, and rainwater harvesting. The facility has been designed and will be constructed to save 20% on energy, water, and materials. This will earn the building an IFC-World Bank EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) certificate, a global standard for green building.
According to the agencies, this will be realized through a mix of measures such as solar power in the building, improved wall insulation, natural ventilation in the work places, water recycling, rainwater collection, and sewage treatment.
The scheme seeks to reduce the building’s carbon footprint. It will also retain more than 50% of the landscape’s trees and greenery. Water appliances and energy efficient installations will be included in the building.
Munir A. Safieldin, UNICEF Uganda’s Country Representative, said that UNICEF Uganda has been working toward positive climate action. She added that with joint office premises construction, they show once again that they walk the talk.
It is said that the project would boost the country’s economy as it procure construction materials and pays for services.
Roughly 200 people are expected to secure jobs as a result of the project, including women and young people, who will work on both the technical construction work and other services like food preparation.
