Breaking

Pader Residents Concerned About Delayed Road Construction

The poor state of the road has left vehicles stranded, disrupted travel, and affected local businesses and essential services, including healthcare and education.
As seen, vehicles stuck along Kitgum - Lira road at Pajule twon council - Photo Lakomekec Kinyera

Audio 2

Residents of Pader district are frustrated with the deteriorating condition of the Lira-Kitgum road, especially along the Pajule Town Council stretch.

The poor state of the road has left vehicles stranded, disrupted travel, and affected local businesses and essential services, including healthcare and education.

Residents are demanding urgent government intervention. "This road is a lifeline for our community. Its poor condition impacts not only the transport of goods but also critical access to hospitals and schools," stated Olyel Raymond, a concerned resident. 

He criticized the district’s reliance on ministry funds for minor repairs, questioning the authorities' preparedness. "If the district is waiting for ministry funds for spot checks and repairs, what happens when those funds aren't available? We need to be prepared for emergencies, especially when the weather worsens and the road becomes impassable," he added.

In 2021, the construction of the Rwekunye-Apac-Lira to Kitgum road began, with a portion of the 100.1-kilometer Apac-Lira-Puranga road contracted to Gulsan Insaat Sanayi Turizm Nakliyat Ve Tecaret A.S. of Turkey. The entire project, aimed at rehabilitating the road, has an estimated cost of 735 billion shillings. 

Despite the project's launch by President Museveni in October and an initial plan for work to commence in November 2020, the exclusion of the Puranga to Acholibur road has further fueled local outrage.

Motorists are particularly suffering due to the current road conditions, which worsen during the rainy season. "We’re struggling here. The delay in construction is causing more harm than we expected," said a businessman. 

Tito Okello Brilliant, Chairperson of Pajule Urban Council, confirmed that poor road conditions have severely affected services in the area. "This road is vital for local services, and temporary fixes are no longer sufficient. We need the government to prioritize a permanent solution," he emphasized.

Luo

Cue in: “Wan wamito ngol … 

Cue out. … gone out of hand.”//  

Eng

Cue in: “Yoo ma aa ki Pajule… 

Cue out. …  ngo ma waromo timo.”//  

Pader District Secretary for Works and Technical Services, Okwir Charles Ray, stated that he has been in contact with the regional Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) in Kitgum. "They informed me that the wheel loader is currently at Acholibur working on the Puranga road, which is also in bad shape," Okwir noted. "However, UNRA shouldn't wait. The district has its machinery, and we urge the RDC to take immediate action." 

Efforts to get comments from the regional UNRA officials were futile by press time.

Aruu County MP Christopher Komakech, who also chairs the District Road Committee for Pader, revealed that discussions with the Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, indicated that the ministry is awaiting the release of funds from the treasury before work can proceed. 

"The funds are released quarterly from the treasury, and until then, the project cannot move forward," Komakech stated.