Residents of Kyamutunzi Town Council in Kyenjojo District have turned the National Cleaning Day into an opportunity to repair a temporary crossing at River Nyabukoni, following the collapse of the bridge that connects several communities.
The River Nyabukoni Bridge collapsed on Friday evening, disrupting movement between Rukukuru, Rushambya and Katoogo villages along the Katoogo–Rukukuru road, which connects the communities to the Kagadi–Kyenjojo main road.
Residents say the crossing had been constructed using timber logs, which had deteriorated over time. Following the collapse, fast-flowing water at the crossing made movement difficult and potentially dangerous.
The affected residents say the disruption could affect access to schools, health facilities and markets, while farmers transporting agricultural produce may face increased costs as they use longer alternative routes.
With residents saying they had not received an immediate intervention from authorities, they mobilised themselves to construct another temporary crossing as part of a Bulungi Bwansi activity held on Saturday, September 26th.
The residents say the temporary crossing is expected to serve for only a short period as they continue calling for a permanent bridge.
Residents, including Mbabazi Clinton and Kasaija Peter from Katoogo Village in Katoogo Ward, say the temporary arrangement may not provide a lasting solution and are calling for urgent government intervention.
Residents have also accused leaders and technical officials in Kyamutunzi Town Council and Kyenjojo District of failing to adequately address what they describe as a longstanding infrastructure problem. They say the bridge has depended on temporary timber structures for years, leaving communities vulnerable to isolation whenever the crossing deteriorates or collapses.
CUE IN RESIDENTS’ VOXPOP
Milton Baryahika, the Chairperson of Katoogo Village, thanked residents who participated in the National Cleaning Day activity along the Katoogo–Rukukuru–Kasaba road.
He called on the authorities to assess the damage, provide a safe temporary crossing and begin plans for construction of a permanent bridge.
CUE IN MILTON BARYAHIKA
Meanwhile, Omuhereza Bahati, LC2 of Katoogo Ward, and Turyamureba Elisa, Vice Chairperson LC2 Katoogo Ward, said the road is important for access to education and transportation of agricultural produce.
They appealed to the government to intervene and provide a lasting solution to the crossing.
CUE IN LC2 LEADERSHIP
Kyamutunzi Town Council Mayor Byamukama Fred says the four logs currently placed at the crossing cannot provide a long-term solution.
Byamukama says he has already engaged district leaders and the area Member of Parliament for Mwenge North, Akugizibwe Lawrence, over the matter, with the aim of finding a permanent solution.
He has also called on Ambias Tree Farm to intervene, saying the company uses the same bridge to transport timber using heavily loaded trucks.
CUE IN BYAMUKAMA ON AMBIAS TREE FARM
