Kikuube farmers decry poor state of roads
KIKUUBE – Farmers in Bugambe Sub-county in Kikuube district have expressed concern over the deteriorating state of roads in the area.
The farmers said that deep potholes have developed on the roads, making them impassable.
David Mbabazi, one of the farmers from Rugusese parish said they have urged leaders to rehabilitate Kyarubanga -Kyajaka road in vain.
He said poor roads are hindering the locals from accessing health centres, schools, and markets for agricultural produce.
Swell Bigabwekya, the councilor for Ruguse parish noted that several bridges connecting different roads in the area have collapsed, making it difficult for the people to cross from one village to another.
He noted the bridge at Wambabya River which connects Muhwiju-Kiryaba road collapsed recently, adding that the road itself is in a poor state.
“Another bridge on Kabaale River which connects Kiyora-Kayabala road also recently collapsed, leaving the residents stranded,” he said.
He noted that the situation has paralysed both the movement of people and their goods and called on the government to intervene.
The Buhaguzi East County Member of Parliament, Steven Asera Itaza confirmed several roads in his constituency are in a poor state, even though he added there are no funds to fix the roads.
However, he called the residents to remain calm, saying he has petitioned the State Minister for Works and Transport, Fred Byamukama to help rehabilitate the roads, probably in the next financial year.
According to Daniel Mbazira, the assistant road engineer Kikuube district, the rehabilitation of most roads has not been possible due to budget cuts in the works department.
He noted that Kikuube district has 449 kilometres of roads to be worked on, although they have so far worked on only 13kms and one bridge, having received only Shs 100 million for the roads.
He added the department had planned to work on the budget of Shs 551mln this financial year but the district received only Shs 200mln for the works department.
“The district had also planned to work on Kitoole-Rwemparaki and Kisindi-Kirimbi roads because they are in a sorry state,” he said.
Kikuube district chairperson Peter Banura said that the district has no money to rehabilitate the bridge at Wambabya River saying that this bridge needs Shs 800mln.
https://thecooperator.news/nebbi-pdm-beneficiaries-task-govt-on-roads/
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