NELSON K
Residents Raise Concerns and Dissatisfaction, Demanding the Road Be Redone to Improve Drainage and Quality
The Kashenyi–Rwengiri road is said to connect Kashenyi (go down) to other areas like Kyaato, Kyomeera, and then to Rwengiri, ending at the Korasi (tarmac). It is described as a key bridge/link for socio-economic transformation, connecting areas for trade and commerce.
Speaking with Boona Radio, Mr. Bitwiire Alex, a resident of the area, expressed dissatisfaction, saying that although a grader came and worked on the road, other essential activities concerning road quality—such as applying murram and constructing road drainage channels—were ignored. This has resulted in soil erosion in the area.
He added that as residents, they have been using the same road to transport their goods to markets. Recently, all socio-economic transformation activities have stalled, including school children who travel on the same road while going to school. Mr. Alex said that due to poor drainage, water erosion has increased, and running water is now affecting nearby roads and crops.
The Kyaato LC1 Chairperson, Mr. Mutabazi Francis, also said that although the road was done, other essential works such as drainage channels were not constructed. This has caused running water to overflow and affect nearby residents’ homes and crops after rainfall.
He added that some affected residents have redirected the unfinished drainage channels to other areas, including neighboring homes, causing further soil erosion as they try to protect their own homes and gardens.
In response, Eng. Nicholas Karuhanga, the Rukungiri District Engineer, acknowledged that the road is still under construction and not yet completed.
He therefore called on the affected communities to redirect the drainage channels with speeding water to areas like bushes or banana plantations to prevent damage to homes.
Eng. Nicholas asked residents for a short period of patience, saying that within about a week, the construction team would return to complete other road works such as spot gravelling and more.
Despite the challenges, residents expressed disappointment and frustration towards their leaders, saying that officials are boasting about bringing electricity, yet only electric poles—now rotting—have been installed without actual power supply. Alex Bitwiire, one of the affected residents, angrily mocked Rukungiri District Woman MP Medius Natukunda Kahaarata, accusing her of leading the project, but emphasized their commitment to support former Rubabo MP Hon. Mary Paula Turyahikayo Kebirungi, whom they credit for bringing services to Rubabo.
