Road works launched amidst community dissatisfaction
Works on Ekitobero-Kashanyarazi Karugangama Circular Road in Nyamitanga, Mbarara City South Division have officially been launched amidst community dissatisfaction as residents demanded for a tarmac road. The project is worth Ugx Shs.11.8 million.
Crowds in Ekitobero expressed their frustrations chanting for a tarmacked roadway. They highlighted the adverse conditions created by dust during the dry season and mud during wet periods both of which have detrimental effects on their businesses.
The event was officiated by Deputy Resident City Commissioner (RCC) for Mbarara City South Division, Robert Kanusu and attended by several notable figures including Mbarara City Mayor, Robert Mugabe Kakyebezi, Deputy City Town Clerk Ejeu Simon and City Engineer William Bananuka along with other local council leaders.
Kanusu acknowledged the long-standing neglect of routine maintenance on the road but assured attendees that the newly-launched project would adhere to the established Bills of Quantities (BOQs) ensuring proper execution and value for taxpayers’ money.
Kakyebezi encouraged the community to embrace the road improvements to bolster income-generating activities and enhance household incomes. He appealed for unity, urging residents to set aside divisive politics and focus on the transformative opportunities provided by local government initiatives.
Regarding financial matters, Kakyebezi addressed questions about the Ug Shs 134 million budget balance left from the Katete Bridge project. He confirmed that this amount has been sanctioned by the city council to construct a temporary bridge at Kanyeite, which will link Nyakaizi Kakoba to Karugangama Katete. He noted that any major bridge project in the city must receive approval from the Ministry of Works and Transport which has already conducted assessments of the Kanyeite Bridge.
South Division Mayor, Jomo Mugabi also stressed the community’s preference for a tarmacked road over a gravel one echoing concerns raised by residents. He emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in the execution of the road works and called on the city engineer to provide accurate measurements of the road’s width to prevent potential corruption and misappropriation of funds.
The launch of this road project marks a critical step toward improving infrastructure in Mbarara City but the voices of the community highlight the need for ongoing dialogue and transparency to meet public needs effectively.
