In the bustling town of Njeru, located in Buikwe district, a wave of frustration has swept through its residents. Fueled by the cloud of dust that has engulfed their lives, they have risen together, blocking a section of the renowned Jinja-Kampala highway near Nile Breweries.
This unexpected upheaval stems from the long-standing promise to pave this particular stretch of road, which has succumbed to the perils of deep potholes.
At the heart of this uprising lies the St Noa Mawagali junction, plagued by a notorious pothole that has persisted despite the efforts of the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA).
In an attempt to alleviate the situation, UNRA resorted to replacing the worn-out tarmac with Marrum, but this decision has inadvertently unleashed a storm of dust that has left road users seething with frustration.
The consequences of this protest have been far-reaching, with the transportation system grinding to a halt, forcing the intervention of the local police.
Hellen Butoto, the Ssezibwa Region Police Spokesperson, confirmed the demonstration, but thankfully, no arrests were made.
Road accidents
Sadly, the sorry state of this vital trans-Africa highway is not an isolated incident. Various sections of the road are riddled with menacing potholes, posing a constant threat to motorists.
Countless accidents have been recorded over the years, leaving drivers and their vehicles at the mercy of tire punctures and costly repairs.
Earlier this year, a spokesperson for UNRA revealed that a contractor had been assigned to work on the Jinja-Kampala highway, starting from the Kampala side and gradually progressing towards Namagunga.
With each section deemed deplorable, the dedicated team endeavors to restore the road to its former glory, but progress has been slow.
The road users, however, cannot help but express their deep concern over the government’s delay in constructing this crucial highway that connects them to the bustling Mombasa Port. Yearning for a smoother journey and a safer passage, they eagerly await the fulfillment of this long-awaited promise.
Stay tuned as we follow the developments on this impassioned quest for a better road and a brighter future for the residents of Njeru and all those who traverse the Jinja-Kampala highway.
Check also;
- Government Plans Expansion Of Road Toll System
- Road Accidents Claim 70, Leave 329 Injured In One Week
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