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Residents of Kibimbiri and Rushoroza parishes in Kihihi sub-county, Kanungu district, are urging the district and sub-county leadership to address the issue of the Kyoganibaywa bridge connecting their two parishes in Nyarurambi cell.
Heavy rainfall washed away the bridge two months ago, creating transportation challenges for the residents, particularly in moving their agricultural produce, such as coffee and rice, from the area.
Bright Bamugiri, a boda boda cyclist and local resident, highlights the adverse impact of the bridge’s collapse, leading to an increase in transport fares from sh.6000 to sh.8000. Although residents erected a temporary wooden bridge to accommodate pedestrians, bicycles, and motorbikes, it has not fully addressed the transportation issues. The community is now urging the government, through its leaders, to expedite the construction of a new bridge.
Rauben Tusingwire, another resident, notes that farmers in Kihihi sub-county, especially in the parishes connected by the bridge, are compelled to sell their agricultural produce at lower prices. The lack of a bridge for vehicles to access the weekly Kihihi Market on Saturdays further hinders their ability to transport goods.
Nelson Natukunda, the Kihihi sub-county chairperson, explains that the sub-county used to receive road funds, but the allocation was reduced. Currently, the sub-county lacks the financial means, approximately 20 million, to address the bridge issue.
Natukunda has informed the Kinkiizi West Member of Parliament, Hon James Kaberuka, who also serves as the district roads committee chairperson. Kaberuka has reportedly sought modern wide culverts and gabions from the Ministry of Works to address the bridge problem, and Natukunda is optimistic that the construction will soon commence to restore proper transportation for the affected residents.
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