Albino Opira, the LC I Chairperson of Layiyadul told Uganda Radio Network that they have been struggling to access key areas including health centers over the last nine months.
Hundreds of learners from areas annexed to the Gulu City Eastern Division are struggling to access schools because of broken bridges, which have cut off their villages. One of the affected bridges is Layiyadul, which connects Unyama trading Centre and Lapeta Health Centre III.
The bridge is found on the road that connects Akonyibedo to Laliya trading Centre and the surrounding villages. The most affected learners are from Lukome, Bungatira, and St. Mauritz primary schools.
Albino Opira, the LC I Chairperson of Layiyadul told Uganda Radio Network that they have been struggling to access key areas including health centers over the last nine months.
At least 6,000 learners from the affected areas are unable to access school, 500 of whom are from Lukome primary school while others are from the neighboring schools.
Evelyn Achola, the headteacher of Lukome primary school is worried that the situation will adversely affect the enrolment of learners unless something is done. She says that currently only 110 out of the 611 learners enrolled at the school returned on the first and the second day of the countrywide reopening of schools.
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Geoffrey Otim, the Mayor of Laroo-Pece Division has confirmed the problem of broken bridges, saying that this does not only affect the learners but the residents as well from accessing service delivery.
He explained that areas are predominantly occupied by the farmers who are failing to access better markets. He says that they have already accessed the bridges and work is expected to begin soon.
Simon Wokorach
Freelancer