Simpson M
Local leaders and residents of Nyabushenyi parish in Nyarushanje subcounty, Rukungiri district are expressing deep concern over the deplorable condition of their roads and bridges. The critical road and bridge, linking more than five parishes, have been neglected for three years despite repeated protests from the community.
The deteriorating state of the bridge is causing significant disruptions to trade and access to essential services such as health and education in the surrounding areas, according to the residents. They lament that the government’s inaction on repairing the bridge is not only impeding their daily lives but also posing serious risks to their safety.
The impassable main roads and the damaged culverts on Nyamabaale Bridge, washed away by floods, have left the community in dire straits. The residents are calling on the government to intervene urgently, emphasizing that they have endured enough hardships. Some travelers have suffered injuries, including fractured legs, and narrowly escaped drowning in the river due to its open and deep nature.
Banard Byamukama, the chairperson of LC2 Nyabushenyi parish, highlighted the worsening condition of the bridge, stating that it has completely collapsed, disrupting services in the area. Farmers, unable to transport their goods to market due to the impassable bridge, are now falling prey to middlemen who exploit the situation to buy their products at lower prices.
Despite notifying their leaders about the issue, no action has been taken, with leaders only returning during election periods. Banard appeals to the leaders to provide much-needed support, as the residents are now taking matters into their own hands to address the road issues themselves.
