Sam A
Residents of Ndere Parish in Ruhinda Sub County, Rukungiri district, are voicing their frustration over the poor condition of local roads and bridges, which has severely disrupted transportation and service delivery.
The residents highlight that Rutabago Road and Kabare Bridge, which connect Ruhinda Sub County with Bugangari Sub County, are in critical condition. This has hindered the transportation of their agricultural products to market centers and impeded access to essential services such as education and healthcare. Natukunda Ronald, the LC 1 Chairperson of Omwitaaba Cell in Ndere Parish, and Karamira Vana, a resident, explained that there are currently no viable alternatives for transporting their farm produce, including coffee.
They also expressed concern for the safety of their children, who must use the damaged bridge to get to school. The collapse of the bridge, caused by broken culverts, poses a significant risk to their lives. The residents have called on Sub County and district officials and their Member of Parliament to assist in renovating Kabare Bridge to improve transportation and service delivery in the area.
Ssemakula Deus, the LC 2 Chairperson of Ndere Parish, voiced his dissatisfaction with the government, pointing out that despite the area’s strong support for the NRM party, with an 80% backing, it suffers from some of the worst roads and bridges in the district. He lamented that Ndere has been neglected in service delivery, leading to regret among residents for electing representatives who fail to deliver or advocate for their needs.
Edmon Katungi, the area councilor for Ndere Parish, noted that Kabare Bridge collapsed due to heavy rains. He appealed to the government, the area Member of Parliament Hon. Gen. Jim Muhwezi, and district authorities to prioritize the bridge’s renovation, emphasizing its importance for children commuting to school and transporting farm produce to markets.
