Newslex Point News in Uganda, Uganda news
UNRA recently announced the closure of Karuma Bridge to heavy traffic for a period of three months, starting from today, to address structural defects that have been identified. During this time, access to the bridge will be limited to passenger vehicles carrying up to 28 individuals.
Chairing Monday’s plenary, Speaker Among emphasized the urgency of the repairs, acknowledging the potential implications of traffic disruptions, delays, and associated costs. She urged UNRA to prioritize the restoration of the bridge and expedite the repair process.
UNRA attributed the structural defects to the continuous exposure of the bridge to heavy traffic over time. The agency also warned that the deterioration would accelerate if not addressed promptly.
However, Erute South MP Jonathan Odur pointed out that the current state of the bridge could have been prevented if the government had acted upon earlier warnings from experts regarding the impact of the Karuma dam on the bridge.
Odur stressed the importance of conducting feasibility studies to assess the potential impact of such projects on existing infrastructure.
The bridge has caused a lot of traffic jam
A cabinet meeting held on Monday was expected to make consequential decisions regarding the fate of the 61-year-old bridge and the resulting travel chaos caused by its closure.
In the meantime, lorries, trailers, and buses traveling to and from northern Uganda, West Nile, DR Congo, and South Sudan have been rerouted through Murchison Falls National Park.
The closure of the bridge has already caused significant traffic congestion, with commuters experiencing long queues on both ends.
Furthermore, the Uganda Wildlife Authority has stated that it will not waive the park entrance fee for light vehicles, posing an additional financial burden on taxis and other travelers.
The urgency of the situation necessitates swift action from UNRA and the government to address the structural defects and minimize the impact of the closure on commuters and businesses.
Stakeholders are hopeful that the repairs will be expedited, allowing for the timely reopening of Karuma Bridge and the restoration of regular traffic flow.
Check also;
- Carpenters In Mutungo Petition UNRA For Blocking Their Clients
- Accident On Masaka-Mbarara Road Claims 14 Lives
Please use the button below to contribute to Newslex Point, Inc. using a credit card or via PayPal.
![[dropcap]A[/dropcap] section of women in Bugongo parish and Nawangaiza parish in Nawandala Sub County, Iganga District have decried the near-impossible terms set for them to access GROW funds. They have now petitioned their woman member of parliament for Iganga Hon. Kauma Sauda Alibaawo to ask the government for revised terms and conditions. This is to enable them to benefit from the program. The disgruntled women accuse the implementers of the program of charging the money. They are also asking for their land titles and land agreements. They said that such properties are governed by their husbands. These, therefore want the government through their woman MP to intervene and revise the requirements for one to benefit. The women were on Wednesday at Namabwere primary school in Nawandala Sub County. They had gathered in their respective groups to receive over 300 chickens from Hon Alibaawo in her campaign to improve the livelihood of women in Iganga district. Each group was given 50 chicken as start-up capital in their journey to prosperity. Read what some leaders said; Ms Naigambi Lydia from Nawandala Trading Centre says, “They solicited money from us through opening bank accounts and depositing Shs80,000. They also asked for land titles and land agreements from us yet we don’t have such things. I was informed that I needed to have a business with a capital of Shs4m yet my capital was very small.” The chairperson Kisoboka Saving Group in Nawandala Ms. Nakagolo Faith said they were not able to join the program. This is given the many conditions attached. She also asked their woman MP to raise their concerns to the relevant offices. The MP condemned the mode of implementation of the program. She cited that it has turned to benefit the well-off class of women other than the intended group. She further asked the government to intervene saying the current strings attached to the programme are very tight to accommodate a common woman. GROW project is a Government of Uganda initiative that arose out of the need to respond to the needs of women entrepreneurs. This is especially those who want to grow their businesses, sustain their self-employment and create more jobs. Check Also; Iganga District NRM Leaders Urge Museveni To Fulfill Election Promises Of 2021 International Women's Day: Celebrating Progress Towards Equality](https://i0.wp.com/newslexpoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Iganga-women-decry-tough-terms-to-access-GROW-funds-e1731738339732.jpg?resize=300%2C160&ssl=1)
