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