Despite the cries by residents complaining of too much dust, potholes and accidents caused by sugarcane trucks, the State Minister for Finance and Planning, Amos Lugoloobi says tarmacking the road is currently unsustainable
The government’s arrangement to tarmac the road connecting from Kayunga town council to Galiraaya Sub County in Kayunga District hangs in the balance despite the recurrent prompts from locals.
Despite the cries by residents complaining of too much dust, potholes and accidents caused by sugarcane trucks, the State Minister for Finance and Planning Amos Lugoloobi says tarmacking the road is currently unsustainable.
According to Lugoloobi, they are yet to find a new funder after the earlier funder recommended by the president provided hard terms. The president had instructed the ministry to negotiate with Exim Bank of China since it was directly willing to offer the loans.
The government is looking for about $150 million (ugx565b) to construct the tarmac road over 89km road projects.
Lugoloobi says Exim bank demanded repayment of the money within a period of five years contrary to their request of over ten years.
//Cue in: “Oluguudo luno twagala...//
Cue out: ...tetusobola zikusasula,”//
Meanwhile, several district leaders and residents have appealed to the government to expedite the process as promised to boost the economic standards of the communities connected to the road.
The road stretches from Kayunga town, through sub-counties of Kitimbwa, Kayonza, Bbaale, to Kawongo Landing Site on Lake Kyoga in Galiraaya.
Melissah Naiga, a resident at Kambatane Village in Galiraaya says the road has become a song recited during every campaign but nothing is forthcoming despite forming committees responsible for reminding the authorities.
//Cue in: “Tubonyebonye tulina...//
Cue out: ...okutuka obukono,”//
Another resident, Sharif Kawuma advises the government to think of establishing a sugar processing factory at Kayunga to reduce the trucks plying the route on a daily basis carrying sugarcane but also create more employment opportunities for locals.
//Cue in: “Teriiyo mukozi....//
Cue out: ...weggali wano,”//
The Bbale County Member of Parliament, Charlese Tebandeke also says once the road is improved, will boost trade besides reducing accidents, disease such as flu and cough occurring as a result of dust.
