MUGABE R
Residents of Kanyeganyegye, Katungu, and Kiborogota cells in Northern Ward, Kebisoni Town Council, Rukungiri District, have expressed concern over the poor state of the Kiborogota-Nyeibingo road, citing stagnant water and overgrown bushes as breeding grounds for mosquitoes spreading malaria.
During a communal work initiative held today, Wednesday, December 4, 2024, the community came together to rehabilitate the impassable road. The effort included the installation of culverts and upgrading the road with murram. The culverts, provided by Mathias Mwesigwa Rwabugumi, the District Secretary for Health, and Kebisoni Town Council, were installed at Omukatesani Trading Center, an area previously prone to flooding and stagnant water.
Cleophas Kinkuhaire, a shopkeeper in Omukatesani Trading Center, highlighted the difficulties caused by the poor transport network, particularly for women seeking healthcare. He also raised concerns about malaria outbreaks due to stagnant water and overgrown bushes.
“The mosquitoes from contaminated water are affecting us at night, spreading malaria and impacting our health and productivity,” he said.
Patrick Byamaka, Chairperson of Omukatesani Traders, commended Rwabugumi for his support but criticized the government for inadequate service delivery.
“These roads cost us dearly in health bills as we contract diseases like malaria, and our health centers lack sufficient resources. Residents have even diverted PDM funds to cover medical expenses,” he noted.
Stephen Nuwagaba Biganja, the chairperson of Kiborogota Cell, reaffirmed the residents’ commitment to communal work, emphasizing the need for support from well-wishers due to the government’s inability to meet road rehabilitation standards.
“We are determined to improve our roads through communal efforts but require additional support,” he stated.
Richard Biryomumaisho Karani, the Northern Ward Councilor and Secretary for Finance, Kebisoni Town Council, expressed gratitude for the community’s dedication but pointed out the challenges of insufficient funds and the shortage of graders.
“The sustainability of communal work is crucial, but we need more resources to make lasting improvements,” he said.
Mathias Mwesigwa Rwabugumi, the District Secretary for Health and Rubabo County Parliamentary Candidate, praised residents for their efforts and encouraged them to collaborate with the government in development projects.
“Development is a voluntary effort, and your participation is vital for progress,” he remarked.
Nicholas Karuhanga, the Rukungiri District Civil Engineer, commended the residents’ partnership with the government but attributed the challenges to inadequate funding. He urged locals to embrace communal work and seek advice from civil servants.
Kebisoni Town Council Mayor, Alex Mugabe Nathan, expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of equipment, such as a grader, and the limited funds available. He encouraged early communal work to reduce costs and emphasized the importance of maintaining roads for economic development.
The rehabilitation of the Kiborogota-Nyeibingo road is seen as a step toward improving accessibility and addressing public health concerns, but residents and leaders agree that sustained efforts and support are necessary to achieve lasting change.
