NELSON K
Residents in Nyarukoro Trading Centre, Kacereere Town Council, Rubanda District, are raising concerns over the deteriorating state of Blocken Bridge, a vital connection point for trade and daily movement across the river. The bridge, which links several cells to the bustling Nyarukoro Trading Centre, is now at the centre of heated debate, with local leaders accused of failing to lobby for proper public infrastructure.
While two bridges serve the area — commonly referred to as the upper and lower bridges — it is the upper bridge that has drawn the most concern. Residents say it is in a worsening condition and poses serious risks.
Speaking to Boona Radio, Ainamani Julius, a resident, said the poor state of the upper bridge has negatively affected trade and economic activity in the surrounding cells, including Nyamatembe, Rutooma, Bugandaro, and Rutengyengyere. He stressed that the bridge needs to be reconstructed with proper materials, including larger culverts, to withstand the area’s challenging terrain and weather patterns.
Mr. Julius also noted that the bridges are frequently washed away during the rainy season due to heavy water flow and debris from the highlands. Currently constructed from temporary wooden logs, these makeshift structures are easily destroyed. He added that there have been multiple tragic incidents in which residents fell off the bridge and died, especially during the night, making many fear crossing the bridge.
Despite other service delivery challenges, Julius blamed the Kacereere Town Council Mayor and upper leaders like Rubanda West MP Hon. Kamuntu Moses Mwongyera for neglecting infrastructure development in the area. He urged them to consider at least constructing a temporary bridge while waiting for funds to build a permanent, standard one.
Residents also expressed disappointment in leaders who once supported community infrastructure projects but have recently remained silent, even after floods hit the area in 2022 and 2023. Many believe some leaders are now resurfacing only to campaign ahead of the upcoming elections.
Meanwhile, Takozarumara Henry, popularly known as Taako and serving as the Deputy Speaker of Kacereere Town Council, took to social media to call for collective action. He urged local leaders, traders, and community members to join efforts in building a temporary bridge before more lives are lost.
In response, Kacereere Town Council Mayor Mr. Mugambagye Eliab acknowledged the critical state of the bridge. He promised that the town council would reconstruct it temporarily using timber and logs before August, once the new financial year begins.
However, the mayor also highlighted the challenge of inadequate funding, noting that constructing a permanent standard bridge requires resources the town council doesn’t currently have. He added that the district government cannot assist either, as the policy favors funding bridges that connect different town councils or sub-counties, which is not the case here.
For now, residents remain hopeful that upper leaders and politicians, especially those seeking reelection, will step in with the necessary support to construct a durable and safer bridge for their community.
