AMOS K
Residents of Rugarama North Sub-county have been left stranded following the collapse of the Nyarushanje-Rugaraama Bridge, which served as a vital link to essential services such as markets, hospitals, and schools.
The bridge was destroyed by heavy rains that have battered the region.
Rwakatare Amon, the LC1 Chairperson for Ruhega Cell, expressed the dire situation faced by residents. He highlighted that the bridge was the primary route to Kisizi Hospital, a critical health facility for the Rugarama community.
Rwakatare also noted that the bridge was a crucial pathway for students in the sub-county, enabling them to access secondary schools in neighboring districts such as Rukungiri. Without this connection, many students are now unable to attend school. He called upon the authorities to act swiftly, stating that residents are suffering immensely.
Amanya Ivan Rwanyakibare, the LC3 Chairperson for Rugarama North Sub-county, emphasized the significance of the collapsed bridge. He revealed that it is not the only damaged bridge in the area but is the most critical, connecting residents to key services such as markets, schools, and hospitals.
Rwanyakibare assured residents that the matter has been reported to the relevant authorities, who have pledged an immediate response. However, he cautioned residents against attempting to use the collapsed bridge, noting that it poses a severe risk to their safety. One resident has already fallen but escaped serious injury.
Rwanyakibare further lamented the poor state of infrastructure in the sub-county, attributing it to the lack of road funds allocated to the area. He urged the government to prioritize Rugaraama in its infrastructure plans to improve the condition of roads and bridges.
Elijah Atuhaire, the Ntungamo District Councillor and Secretary of Finance, visited the site on behalf of the LC5 Chairperson. He acknowledged the critical role the bridge has played and called for urgent temporary repairs to restore connectivity while a long-term solution is included in the district work plan.
Atuhaire also addressed the broader challenges facing Ntungamo District, citing its extensive road network as a reason why many infrastructure projects remain unaddressed. He assured residents that immediate steps would be taken to enable the continuation of development and other activities in the area.
Residents now await government intervention to restore the bridge and alleviate the disruptions to their daily lives.
