Zombo residents excited as gov’t launches construction of major bridge
During the official handover of the site to the contractor, Whimsy Construction Ltd, on Monday, residents spoke of how a lack of a good bridge has hindered connectivity, accessibility, and economic activity in Zombo district
ZOMBO,April 8, 2025 – The Government of Uganda, in collaboration with its partners, has officially launched the construction of the Fada River Bridge in Ubimu Cell, Abira West Ward, Zombo Town Council, Zombo district.
This bridge is a critical link to Warr Sub-county and Warr Town Council in the Ora Constituency, and further beyond. The Fada River Bridge project is designed with climate resilience in mind.
The project is being funded by the Government of Uganda and the European Union [EU] under the Local Climate Adaptive Living [LoCAL] initiative, with a total budget of Shs 518.4 million.
Construction work commenced last week, following the completion of the Shs 400 million River Ora Bridge at Songoli, which connects Zeu and Alangi sub-counties, and the River Namthin Bridge, which cost government Shs 343.6 million connects Paidha Sub-county and Nebbi Municipality.
During the official handover of the site to the contractor, Whimsy Construction Ltd, on Monday, residents spoke of how a lack of a good bridge has hindered connectivity, accessibility, and economic activity in Zombo district.
Isaac Ngagenu, the Zombo District Civil Engineer, revealed that the new bridge will span 12 metres. “We have handed over the construction of Fada box culverts for three cells, with an overall span of 12 metres, and we expect the project to be completed within six months,” Ngagenu explained.
Francis Ujuru, the contractor from Whimsy Construction, assured everyone that work was already underway and promised to complete it within the stipulated timeframe.
Bruno Mananu Ubomba, the Assistant District Resident Commissioner for Zombo, cautioned the contractor against compromising the quality of the work. “We want value for money and quality assurance,” Mananu remarked. He also urged the local community to monitor the project and take ownership of it.
James Uruna Uyulu, the Zombo LCV Chairman, commended the Government, the EU, and the United Nations Capital Development Fund [UNCDF] for supporting the project, which is crucial for driving socio-economic transformation and climate mitigation.
“This project has been delayed for a long time due to insufficient resources, so today we are incredibly grateful,” he emphasised.
Daniel Ujigi Chidhu, a community elder, shared his heartfelt experience: “For several decades, the locals have suffered due to the lack of a proper bridge in this area, which has paralysed socio-economic development.”
Ujigi added that many local residents had abandoned their ancestral homes in search of places where they could access services like schools, healthcare, and markets.
He noted that this development will attract more people to the area. “I remember, at one point, the British government had plans to construct this bridge, and Dr Obote’s government also had an idea for the bridge, but it was disrupted when Idi Amin Dada overthrew his government,” Ujigi said.
He commended the government for finally bringing this development to fruition and believes it will be a turning point for the youth, encouraging them to benefit from this infrastructure once it is completed.
Gilbert Onenchan, the LCI Chairman of Ubimu Cell, highlighted that the bridge would facilitate easier access for mothers seeking antenatal care, as the area previously lacked proper connections to health facilities.
Laurence Biyika Songa, Member of Parliament for Ora County and Chairperson of the Climate Change Committee in Parliament, observed that Zombo had effectively implemented pilot projects, which is why Parliament has allocated more funds for the Fada River Bridge.
Songa added that the government and its partners are planning to implement additional projects focused on climate-smart agriculture in Zombo district. He noted that this project will include the upgrading of 22 kilometres of road and the construction of the River Nyagak Bridge, which is essential for linking farming communities in Mudhel and Yil in Lower Anyola Parish, Atyak Sub-county, to the towns of Paidha, Zombo, Nebbi, and Arua City.
https://thecooperator.news/govt-commissions-multi-billion-water-project-in-zombo/
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