AMURU – More than 6000 residents of Oguru Kal village in Pabo Town Council ,Otorokume and Olinga parishes in Pogo sub-county in Amuru District are struggling to access local markets after the bridges linking them broke down.
The bridges broke down three months ago and is yet to be assessed by district officials.
Bosco Oloya, a resident of Oguru Kal village says the road condition is worse with the heavy rains being experienced in the area.
Oloya says that as farmers, accessing Pabo market to sell their produce has become a challenge because even motorcyclists and vehicle owners are reluctant to ply the route given its impassable conditions.
“Most boda-boda cyclists and vehicle owners in Pabo Town Council are reluctant to ply the route because they can’t cross, even if they try because of the condition of the bridges.”
“Our women are forced to carry stuff for sale on their heads which is impacting on them financially,” Oloya narrates.
According to Oloya, they have tried to raise the matter to the district and sub-county authorities but no tangible reaction has been made.
Lucy Acen, a resident of Oguru Kal says she dislocated her feet while attempting to cross Akore stream carrying a basin of beans taking it to Pabo market for sale.
“I dislocated my left foot when I stepped on a stone and slid yet I was carrying a basin of beans taking it to Pabo market,” Acen says.
Janani Luwum, the LCIII Chairperson of Pogo sub-county says two of the bridges along the road were broken six months ago. He says the district at first tried to repair the broken bridges but did not complete the work forcing the culverts that were installed and the bridges to breakdown because it was being used by heavy trucks mostly carrying charcoal and logs.
“The district first tried to repair the broken bridges but did not complete the work. The culverts broke down because the road was still being used especially by big trucks carrying charcoal and logs,” Luwum explains.
According to Luwum, when he approached the district to consider repairing the bridges, he was told there was no money to fund the repair of the broken bridges.
But when contacted, Raymond Luwita, Amuru District Engineer says he is not aware of the alleged broken bridges.
Michael Lakony, LCV Chairperson, Amuru district says the district is still looking for funds. He declined to disclose when he expects to repair the broken bridges.
“We have received concerns from the community members concerning the condition of the bridges. We are currently looking for funds from within our reach to ensure that we procure culverts to repair the bridges,” Lakony says.
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