NELSON K
Residents of Bitereko and Mitooma Subcounty remain in panic and frustration as accidents continue to rise daily due to the impassable Nchweera Bridge in Mitooma District.
The bridge, which serves as a crucial link between Mitooma Subcounty and Bitereko, has severely hindered economic trade and development in the area. Several residents and local leaders recall that Deputy Speaker Hon. Thomas Tayebwa pledged to construct the bridge four years ago, yet no tangible progress has been made.
Bamwesigye Wilton, the Mitooma Subcounty LC3 Chairperson, while speaking with a Boona Radio reporter, expressed deep concern over the deteriorating state of Nchweera Bridge. He highlighted the alarming increase in accidents at the site, including an incident involving a district vehicle carrying the DEO and inspectors, who narrowly escaped tragedy.
Additionally, Bamwesigye emphasized that the bridge requires more funding for its construction. He revealed that local leaders have since forwarded the matter to the Ministry of Finance in collaboration with Hon. Thomas Tayebwa to secure the necessary resources. In the past, residents attempted to build a temporary bridge using timber and logs to facilitate the passage of motorcycles, but it collapsed when heavy vehicles attempted to cross. He, therefore, called for immediate intervention from leaders, particularly Hon. Tayebwa.
Alex Byaruhanga, a representative from Nkinga Secondary School, also voiced concerns over the bridge’s poor condition. He explained that students from both Nkinga Primary and Nkinga Secondary School struggle to get to school as they fear using the unsafe bridge.
Byaruhanga further stated that, as a school, they used to provide timber and logs for community members engaged in Burungi Bwansi communal work to repair the bridge. However, these temporary repairs have consistently failed under the weight of heavy vehicles.
A concerned resident, who requested anonymity, expressed disappointment over the unfulfilled promise of constructing the bridge. He noted that the situation has worsened, with boda boda riders frequently falling at the site. He also revealed that residents were informed that funds for the bridge had already been released by the Ministry of Finance.
Meanwhile, Binomugisha Maxim, the LC3 Chairperson of Mitooma Subcounty, also addressed the issue in an interview with our reporter. He confirmed that funds for the bridge were budgeted and approved by the Ministry of Finance. However, the delay is due to the awaited arrival of a contractor to commence construction. He urged affected residents to remain patient, assuring them that the problem would soon be resolved.
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