30/07/2008 (AllAfrica.com) - District leaders have rallied support for Government's palm oil tree-growing project. The district chairperson, Dan Kikola, said the palmoil project had contributed to development in the island district.

The project is being implemented by the Government and Bidco, a private oil refinery.
 
"Life in Kalangala is challenging but with the initiation of palm tree growing, things are improving and the infrastructure is developing. We need to encourage a positive attitude towards Government programmes," Kikola said.

He was speaking during the hand-over of road construction equipment worth sh2b to the district by the vegetable oil development project under the Ministry of Agriculture.

Agriculture minister Eng. Hilary Onek, who handed over the equipment said the Government was committed to addressing poverty by boosting household incomes.

"The Government has plans for Ssese. Through the palmoil project, the face of Kalangala is gradually changing," he said.

The equipment included a grader, compacter, bulldozer, two tippers, two double-cabin pick-ups, a tractor and a wheel loader. Onek warned the district leaders against misusing the gear.

The MP for Bujjumba county, Fred Badda, said when the palm oil project first started, people shunned it but had now realised the benefits, particularly construction of roads. Soon more investors will be flocking to Kalangala, he said.

Kyamuswa county MP Moses Kabusu said the equipment would enable upgrading of roads to allow farmers easy access to markets.

The district Woman MP, Ruth Kavuma, said the palm oil project would address the soaring poverty levels. She urged the district leadership to diversify economic projects and promote activities like fishing and farming.

The vegetable oil development project coordinator, Connie Masaba, said over 5,000 hectares of land had been secured for growing palm oil trees.

"We appreciate the residents' offer of 3,000 hectares for this project. This undertaking will promote development," she said.