ALEBTONG, May, 14 2025 –– Residents of Alebtong district are now enjoying easier travel and better access to markets for their agricultural produce and merchandise, following the rehabilitation of some of the previously impassable roads.
The District Chairperson [LC5], David Kennedy Odongo, said a total of 29 road sections have been improved using Shs 2 billion allocated by the central government. The funds were disbursed across the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 financial years as part of a nationwide road infrastructure improvement programme.
The upgraded roads include Alololo–Adwir, Angetta–Kalaki border, Abako–Baropiro–Omoro, Alebtong Town Council–Okut–Alanyi, Amononeno–Ajuri Bridge–Amugu Town Council, Obangangeo–Omoro–Otuke border, and Ogwowie–Baropiro–Amugu. Others are Adaloro–Awei trading centre and Corner Lango One–Okwalomogo, among others.
Odongo explained that in the 2023/2024 financial year, 15 road sections were rehabilitated, and 14 more have been completed in the current financial year, bringing the total to 29.
“We also worked on six culvert points. Our main goal is to improve connectivity between sub-counties, to the district headquarters, and to essential services such as health centres, schools, markets, as well as to neighbouring districts and between parishes,” he said.
Before receiving the funds, Odongo noted that the road network in the district was in a deplorable state, severely hampering access to services.
“Most roads were impassable due to limited funding. Previously, the Road Fund provided only Shs 270 million, and sometimes the government would release as little as Shs 40 million or Shs 90 million,” he said.
With the improved road network, new trading centres are emerging in rural areas, and access to health facilities and schools has significantly improved.
“There has been a marked improvement across all sectors. In the next financial year, we plan to prioritise applying murram to some of these roads to extend their lifespan,” he added.
Francis Ogwang Abwang, the LC3 Chairperson of Adwir Sub-county, called for urgent intervention at Ayumu Bridge, which he said is hampering transport and business operations.
“Our roads are generally in good condition, but we still have a problem with Ayumu Bridge, which connects the area to Amuria District in the Teso Sub-region,” he said.
Isaac Apenyo, the LC3 Chairperson of Omoro Sub-county, also acknowledged the improvement in the road network but raised concerns about increased traffic from heavy trucks.
“Most of our roads are in fairly good condition. However, since the upgrades, we are seeing an influx of heavy trucks, and we are concerned about potential damage to the roads,” he said.
He added that while a few roads remain untouched, he is optimistic they will be included in next year’s plans.
However, James Onyanga, the LC1 Chairperson of Amwak Village in Baropiro Parish, expressed concern over the impact of heavy rains on the newly rehabilitated roads.
“Although the roads were well improved, sections like Baropiro to Omoro Trading Centre have already started deteriorating due to the rains and lack of proper drainage,” he said.
https://thecooperator.news/alebtong-launches-construction-of-shs-1-3-billion-oil-seed-road/
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