NELSON K
Residents of Kashambya Subcounty have been urged to revive communal environmental conservation efforts as local leaders raise concern over increasing cases of floods, landslides, and soil erosion in the hilly area.
The subcounty, which has for years battled destructive floods and soil erosion, continues to experience loss of crops, property, and at times lives, especially during heavy rains.
Speaking earlier today, Kashambya Subcounty LC3 Chairperson Bandaganiire Elneho expressed frustration over what he described as residents’ negligence and unwillingness to participate in community initiatives aimed at addressing environmental degradation.
Bandaganiire revealed that despite prior mobilization, residents from Rushekyera and Nyarugorogoro failed to turn up for activities such as tree planting and terrace digging aimed at controlling soil erosion. The exercise was supported by tree seedlings donated by National Environment Management Authority.
He warned residents to take environmental conservation seriously and actively participate in communal work, locally known as “Burungi Bwansi,” to safeguard lives and property from disasters.
The LC3 chairperson further noted that the Rushekyera Bridge on Rushekyera Road was recently washed away by floods after construction works stalled before completion. He blamed the situation on abandonment of the project by MUWAI Company Limited, which had initially been contracted to undertake the works.
Bandaganiire appealed to higher authorities and responsible leaders to engage the contractor and ensure that incomplete government projects are finalized.
Meanwhile, Kitanga Woman Councillor Mpiriigwe Prudence also expressed disappointment over residents’ failure to participate in community sensitization programs and environmental conservation initiatives.
She, however, pledged to intensify grassroots sensitization campaigns by working closely with LC1 chairpersons to mobilize residents and formulate by-laws that will compel community members to participate in communal works.
Mpiriigwe also criticized alleged corruption and embezzlement of funds in the area, accusing district authorities of failing to adequately follow up and investigate government projects. She said local leaders are often frustrated whenever they raise concerns regarding stalled or poorly implemented projects.
On the issue of Rushekyera Bridge, outgoing Rukiga District LC5 Chairperson Robert Kakwerere clarified that the road project was initially contracted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries under the Agriculture Cluster Development Project (ACDP).
According to Kakwerere, the ministry later awarded the contract to SOCROD before the ACDP program wound up operations, leading to suspension of the works.
He has now urged the incoming elected leaders to make follow-ups with the ministry to establish what exactly happened to the project and push for its completion.
