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Residents of Rwanda Parish, Bwongyera Subcounty, Ntungamo District decry the poor state of the Nyarubira-Bituntu Bridge, which has left them stranded, hindering transportation.
It is reported that people have to swim through the waters to cross the bridge, which connects three cells: Nyarubira, Bituntu, and Rwanda cells. They have tried reaching out to their leaders, but nothing has been done.
Speaking to our reporter, the Chairperson LC1 of Nyarubira Cell in Rwanda Parish, Amos Rubanza, said they are really struggling to cross to the other side, especially school children who attend Rwankora, Karama, and Rwanda primary schools.
He further expressed concerns, saying business personnel also find it hard to transport their produce, like coffee, to the factories for sale, and he called for help from their leaders to do something about it.
Hamidu Kyirimasiko, Chairperson LC1 of Bituntu Cell, also echoed his concerns about the poor state of the bridge, saying that after making calls to those responsible and receiving no help, they decided to put up a temporary bridge, which is also miles away and not in a good state for cars to use.
He further showed his concern, saying communal work can’t help as their manpower is not enough to work on it, and their children are struggling to go to and from school.
GISO Bwongyera Subcounty, Simon Kyirimugabo, speaking to our reporter, said the bridge was torn into parts and has left residents of the three cells (Bituntu, Rwanda, and Nyarubira) stranded, making transportation of their produce difficult. However, despite reaching out to those responsible, nothing has been done.
He further said people resorted to putting up poles, which cannot withstand transportation needs, calling for immediate help from those responsible.
However, speaking to the Councilor of Rwanda Parish and Deputy Speaker of Bwongyera Subcounty, Eunice Twehamye said they are aware, as leaders, of the poor state of the bridge but are doing all it takes to see it worked upon. On Monday at 10 a.m., Subcounty Councilors will gather at the site to find ways of how it will be worked upon.
