NEBBI, November 10, 2024 – Residents of Nebbi Municipality are expressing frustration with local leaders over the poor condition of roads within the area. Many have criticised the municipal council for failing to effectively utilise funds allocated by the central government for road maintenance.
“Most of the roads within the municipality, as well as those linking Nebbi Municipality to surrounding sub-counties, are in a deplorable state. This is severely impacting transport and trade with neighbouring communities,” said one concerned resident.
Another resident, Beatrice Otim of Ujunku Lower Cell in Thatha Division, highlighted the challenges faced by her community due to the deteriorating roads. “Transporting goods has become a major problem, as the access roads connecting our community are blocked due to poor drainage systems,” Otim explained. “These roads have been in disrepair for over two years, and we urgently need properly maintained roads for easier accessibility.”
Emmanuel Owinji, a local boda boda rider, shared his frustrations, stating that the condition of the roads has forced him and his colleagues to charge clients between Shs 1,000 to Shs 2,000 as the least for the shortest distance.
He added that the roads are often impassable, sometimes leading to accidents. “All municipality roads have developed gullies and deep holes, and there is limited monitoring by the technical teams,” Owinji said.
Nebbi Municipality Engineer Stephen Olore explained that the municipality has a total of 223 kilometers of roads, but only 120 kilometers are being maintained due to funding and equipment shortages. “Most of the road equipment has to be hired from the district, which is also dealing with its own road maintenance projects. This delay in equipment availability means maintenance is often not done on time,” Olore said. He noted that routine maintenance currently covers only 50 percent of the municipality’s roads.
Muzamil Akuma, the Town Clerk of Nebbi Municipality, acknowledged that the municipality received Shs 500 million for road maintenance in the last financial year.
However, he attributed delays in roadwork to adverse weather conditions. “We have opened some roads using hired equipment, and what remains is the application of marram. We plan to complete this work in the next round,” Akuma stated.
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