MPs irked by closure of Karuma Bridge
KAMPALA, September 18, 2024 — A group of Members of Parliament [MPs] from Northern Uganda have expressed their grievances over the closure of Karuma Bridge for three months by the Minister of Works and Transport Gen. Katumba Wamala.
The minister yesterday announced that the very important bridge would close beginning next Monday to enable the contractor to begin work. After inspection, I have decided and announced the closure of Karuma Bridge all traffic starting Monday, September 23, 2024,” he posted on his X [formerly Twitter] handle.
“The contractor will start the demolition of the concrete deck immediately to allow major works for its restoration, an exercise expected to last three months,” he said.
Among those voicing their concerns are Kilak South MP Gilbert Olanya and West Moyo MP Tom Aza, who cited the devastating impact on the business community and cross-border trade with South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
They questioned why the government is not temporarily opening the newly constructed bridge at Karuma Dam instead of diverting traffic through Masindi-Murchison Falls Game Park, where light vehicles are charged Shs 30,000, heavy vehicles Shs 50,000, and each passenger in any vehicle Shs 10,000.
The MPs also want government to suspend the road fees for vehicles passing through the Murchison Falls National Park.
Olanya further alleged that the closure may be a ploy to embezzle government funds, claiming that sources within the Ministry of Works have indicated that the bridge can accommodate light vehicle traffic during repairs.
Government in May this year banned heavy trucks from using the bridge, allowing only light vehicles.
Government awarded the contract to rehabilitate to the bridge to China Railway Seven, together with the National Enterprise Corporation, an investment army of the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs.
The site was handed over to the contractor in July by State Minister for Works Musa Ecweru, saying a new bridge would be constructed a few metres away from the dilapidated one.
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