Zombo commences construction of Fada bridge to boost rural connectivity

Zombo: Zombo District Local Government has officially started the construction of the Fada Bridge, a pivotal infrastructure project aimed at enhancing connectivity for rural communities in the region.

The ambitious initiative, funded by the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) under its Local Climate Adaptive Living (LoCAL) initiative, carries an estimated cost of Ugx 518,433,185.

This project is designed to deliver a resilient and sustainable structure to meet the long-standing needs of the community.

The groundbreaking ceremony, held on April 7, 2025, at Ubimu Cell, Abira West Ward, Zombo Town Council, drew hundreds of local residents. Many of them had previously expressed skepticism about the realization of this crucial project.

Once completed, the Fada Bridge will connect Warr Sub-County, Zombo Town Council, Got Cam Primary School, Atyenda Trading Center, Agyermac Health Center III, and other vital facilities.

This infrastructure upgrade is expected to significantly improve accessibility and stimulate socioeconomic activities in the area.

During the launch, Zombo’s LCV Chairperson, James Oruna Oyullu, expressed his gratitude to the government and UNCDF for their support, emphasizing that the Fada Bridge is part of several ongoing infrastructure projects in the district.

Oyullu urged the community to continue supporting local leadership, promising further developments, including road construction once the bridge is completed.

“I want to thank the government and UNCDF for this support. This is what we’ve been advocating for the people of Zombo, Warr, and Athuma,” Oyullu stated.

He also expressed confidence in the contractor’s ability to deliver high-quality, durable work, and assured them of the district’s full support.

The construction of the Fada Bridge comes nearly 50 years after the last iteration of the structure, addressing decades of challenges posed by a makeshift footbridge often destroyed by the powerful Fada Stream.

The original bridge was built in 1970 under the leadership of then-Internal Affairs Minister, Oringi.

Project design and timeline

The Fada Bridge project incorporates a triple-cell box culvert system, with a total span of 12 meters, designed to ensure efficient water flow and mitigate flooding risks. Isaac Ngagenu, Zombo’s District Civil Engineer, mentioned that the project has been handed over to Whimsy Uganda Limited, with an anticipated completion timeline of six months or less.

Ngagenu stressed the need for collaboration between the contractor and the local community to ensure the smooth execution of the civil works.

Contractor’s Commitment

Francis Ojoro, Managing Director of Whimsy Construction Limited, the firm tasked with building the bridge, assured the community of a robust and reliable structure.

He called for local leaders’ assistance in providing security to prevent disruptions, especially from children playing near the construction site.

Assistant Resident District Commissioner, Bruno Manano, emphasized the importance of ensuring “value for money” and promised rigorous oversight throughout the project’s lifecycle.

James Cekecan Apoy, LCIII Chairperson of Warr Sub-County, remarked, “People had lost hope for this bridge after years of struggle.” He advocated for the employment of local skilled and unskilled youth in the construction process to further boost local engagement.

Francis Bolingo, District Councilor for Athuma Sub-County, urged the contractor to prioritize the community’s needs and warned workers against social misconduct.

Naftali Ocamagiu, LCIII Chairperson of Zombo Town Council, praised the residents for donating land to accommodate the bridge’s expanded footprint, stressing the need for swift progress ahead of the rainy season.

Mike Joram Anyolitho, District Councilor and Chairperson of the Social Services Committee, praised the initiative and called for mechanized road improvements to complement the bridge’s impact.

Voices from the community

Daniel Ojigi Chidhu, a 98-year-old resident, reminisced about the bridge’s troubled history, which dates back to the 1950s, and expressed hope for a durable solution.

Selemia Binen, an elder from Ayida Village, Pakia Parish, Warr Sub-County, said, “We’ve faced countless difficulties. We thank Zombo’s leaders for this long-overdue project.”

Edmond Rwothomio, another Ayida Village resident, highlighted the past struggles with transporting goods, noting, “Trips to the trading center cost us Ugx 10,000 each, and women bore the heaviest burden. This bridge will change that.”

Funding context

The UNCDF’s LoCAL Facility is an internationally recognized mechanism that empowers local governments in developing nations to access climate finance and technical support for adaptive infrastructure projects.

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