Kiryandongo residents protest poor road conditions
Accidents have occurred, and the motorcycles themselves frequently suffer mechanical issues due to the rough terrain, leading to frequent repairs.
Kiryandongo: Residents of Dima Sub-county in Kiryandongo District recently staged a protest over the deteriorating condition of the Barudugu Ogengo Alero road.
The road, which stretches for 10.2 kilometers, has become impassable, prompting locals to plant matoke (bananas) in protest.
The community members have expressed frustration over the district leadership’s failure to rehabilitate the road for nearly a decade. They argue that the poor state of the road, particularly in an area known for its agricultural productivity, is severely impacting daily life.
Alfred Bidongo, a resident, lamented that the road was last worked on ten years ago and has since been overtaken by bushes and deep ditches. “The road has now shifted into people’s homes,” he said, highlighting the hazardous conditions for commuters.
Walter Oryema, another local, warned that parts of the road are so overgrown with grass that navigating it at night has become both dangerous and deadly.
Boda boda riders are particularly affected. Innocent Kumakech, a local motorcyclist, shared that they often face difficulties transporting passengers, especially at night, due to the road’s poor condition.
Accidents have occurred, and the motorcycles themselves frequently suffer mechanical issues due to the rough terrain, leading to frequent repairs.
Charles Owekonimungu, the LC3 chairperson of Dima Sub-county, echoed these concerns. He explained that the road’s dilapidation has made it so difficult that pregnant women sometimes have to deliver at home because they cannot reach health facilities in time. Farmers also struggle to transport their produce, which affects the local economy.
Despite promises from the district government to rehabilitate the road, no progress has been made. Owekonimungu pointed out that the road has shifted from its original position, now cutting through people’s homes.
Emmanuel Murungi, the communications officer for Kiryandongo District, addressed the issue, explaining that the Barudugu Ogengo road is classified as a community access road, not directly maintained by the district.
However, he assured that the district is working on a solution and has secured Shs 1 billion through the National Oil Seed Project with the support of the Ministry of Agriculture.
Murungi called for patience from the community, stating that the district is actively searching for a contractor to carry out the necessary repairs.
The residents of Dima Sub-county continue to press for immediate action, hoping their voices will lead to improvements in the road infrastructure that are critical for their safety and economic well-being.
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