NELSON K
Ruhinda and Bugangari sub-county residents raise concerns demanding a bridge connecting to Kyaato Cell in Nyakitabire B Parish, Ruhinda, and Rugomera in Nyabiteete Parish, Bugangari sub-county
The bridge lies along the Njororo River, which acts as a border between Ruhinda sub-county via Kyaato Cell in Nyakitabire B Parish and Bugangari sub-county via Rugomera Cell, Nyabiteete Parish, Rukungiri District. Residents vow that the spot has been a link connecting these two sub-counties in both social and economic activities, and it serves as a passage for school children going to schools and vice versa.
The Kyaato LC1 chairperson, Mr. Mutabazi Francis, speaking with Boona Radio, expressed concerns and challenges that residents have been passing through because of the absence of an improved bridge to connect these two sub-counties. He noted that school children from both Ruhinda and Bugangari going to school find it difficult to cross at the spot, which is full of water and stones.
He added that the route is almost broken since residents have also been using it to transport goods to markets in both Bugangari and Ruhinda, not forgetting patients and pregnant women going to seek medical services from both sub-counties.
He therefore called for urgent support and technical action from the government to respond to the concern and construct a link bridge at the spot. Residents from both Kyaato Cell in Ruhinda, in partnership with those from Rugomera Cell in Bugangari, combined efforts through communal works to try and construct an emergency bridge at the spot, but failed.
The Rugomera LC1 chairperson, Mr. Mbabazi John, also told Boona Radio that the situation is very bad, as residents must first remove their shoes to pass through the water while crossing during dry seasons. However, it becomes impossible to cross the spot after rains. Mbabazi added that the spot is quite wide, and therefore needs building blocks with concrete and iron metals to construct an effective bridge.
In recent times, residents and local leaders have been raising their voices, seeking support and technical action towards efforts to construct an effective bridge for the economic development of the area.
Charles Byaruhanga, the Nyakitabire B Parish NRM chairperson, also told Boona Radio that residents have been affected by the same challenge for a long time, especially while crossing from one sub-county to another during socio-economic activities and by school-going children. He added that it is not a bridge but a shallow water passage, which becomes impossible to cross during rainy seasons. Even in the dry season, one has to remove their shoes to cross.
Combined efforts of local leaders have been taking place to ensure the bridge is constructed at the spot; however, they have been hindered by a lack of financial support.
The Ruhinda LC3 Chairperson, Mrs. Hellen Kabajungu, in her response, expressed sympathy for the affected residents and acknowledged awareness of the challenges they are facing due to the absence of an improved bridge at the spot. However, she expressed hope about acquiring new culverts at the sub-county, which they are going to use to construct the bridge at the same spot.
She added that currently, the same bridge is a priority for them as leaders, and they plan to address it first once they get the chance. She kindly asked for patience from the affected residents.
