Broken bridges cut off three villages from service delivery in Gulu district
Gulu – Thousands of residents from annexed areas of the Eastern Division in Gulu City are struggling to access services following the collapse of the bridges in the areas.
The bridges that broke down include Layiyadul linking up the area to Unyama trading Centre and Lapeta Health Centre III. The road connects Akonyibedo to Laliya trading Centre and the areas surrounding the villages.
In an interview with theCooperator, Albino Opira, the LCI of Layiyadul revealed that accessibility to schools; health faculties, and the markets in the area have been affected for the last nine months.
He noted that the most affected school in the area is Lukome Primary School with more than 500 children who will not be able to resume school as the only bridge that connects the villages to the school has collapsed.
The Headteacher of Lukome Primary School, Evelyn Achola worries that the situation will adversely affect the enrolment when school reopens without intervention from the City Authorities.
The Mayor Laroo-Pece Division, Geoffrey Otim confirmed that more than 6,000 learners in the affected areas will likely miss schools. He however noted that the division is working round the clock to address the problem before school starts.
Otim also noted that the area is predominantly occupied by farmers who are failing to access better markets, something he says is both affecting the livelihoods of the people and the revenue collection of the division.
He further revealed that work at the bridges is expected to begin early this year though he was not clear on the exact date and the cost of rehabilitation.
“The engineering department has made the assessment and come out with a bill of quantity. It’s very expensive to put up these bridges, we are still engaging the City Council to see how they can support us” Otim told theCooperator.
