MBALE – The government through the Ministry of Works and Transport has earmarked Ugx20.6b towards the reconstruction of at least five bridges that were built during the colonial administrators.
Samuel Kisira – the head of the Bridge and Drainage department in the Ministry of Works and Transport made the revelation while representing the Permanent Secretary – Ministry of Works, Waiswa Bagaya during the launch of the construction of Bunandasa-Bujibone Bridge that connects Budadiri East and Budadiri West constituencies in Sironko district.
In his speech, Bagaya revealed that the government would provide Ugx20.6b each financial year to re-construct the five bridges that were constructed during colonial times across the country.
He explained that the affected bridges had outlived their lifespan and were in bad shape. Speaking at the same event, the Works State Minister, Musa Ecweru, said his ministry had allocated Ugx5.4b for the construction Bunandasa-Bujibone Bridge.
He revealed that the construction work would take six months to specifically assist in the promotion of trade, agriculture, and the movement of people.
Isaiah Sasaga Wanzira, the Budadiri East constituency MP, said the bridge that connects six sub-counties including, Mutufu town council, Nalusala, Buyobo, among others in his constituency as well as Budadiri West, would improve the livelihood of the people.
He urged the government to construct more bridges in Sironko and Bugisu sub-region, the recent disasters had destroyed. Sasaga said that most of the bridges and roads were in a poor state – yet the districts have no capacity to fix them.
Nathan Nandala Mafabi, the Budadiri west constituency MP urged residents to embrace the project, saying it would lead to development to the area. He warned residents against stealing the bridge construction materials.
Richard Wagoba and Fred Gibege from Buyobo sub-county and Mutufu town council, respectively welcomed the project, saying that this bridge would improve the development of the area. They explained that they have faced problems due to the absence of the bridge – losing at least 10 people in the past, who were trying to cross River Sironko.
