Rukungiri Municipality has officially today launched a project to install street road sign posts, marking a significant step toward improving navigation and safety for residents and visitors alike.
The commissioning ceremony took place today, led by the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Rukungiri District, Steven Nsubuga Bewayo, alongside the Mayor, Town Clerk, and other key officials, including the senior municipal physical planner.
The primary goal of this initiative is to facilitate easy identification of streets for road users throughout the municipality. The project commenced with the installation of signs on prominent roads, including Nyerere Road, Rukungiri-Kihihi Road, Republic Road, and Karegyesa Road, with a total of 60 streets set to be installed with sign posts. This effort aims to enhance the urban landscape and improve the overall experience for those navigating the municipality.
During the ceremony, RDC Bewayo expressed his gratitude for the project, emphasizing its importance in enabling users to easily identify roads and navigate the area.
Steven Nsubuga appealed to the community to respect the newly installed sign posts and all road signs, underscoring the significant costs associated with their installation.
RDC warned that removing a speed limit sign for instance can lead to dangerous driving and accidents highlighting the potential consequences for families and communities like death.
Tumwesigye Isiah, the newly appointed Town Clerk, explained the significance of the sign posts in helping visitors and residents alike navigate the town. He pointed out that the signs will play a crucial role in distinguishing urban areas from rural ones.
Additionally, Isiah noted that the installation of these signs will enhance security, particularly in emergencies, as they will allow emergency services to locate affected areas more quickly. Following the project’s completion, residents will be required to number their plots according to their street names, further aiding in identification.
Senior Physical Planner Vastine Kenganzi elaborated on the materials used for the sign posts, opting for plastic and melamine to prevent theft associated with welding practices.
She urged residents to take responsibility for the sign posts and report any attempts to tamper with them, reminding everyone that community development is a shared responsibility.
Mayor Charles Makuru highlighted the practical benefits of naming roads for developers and planners. He noted that this initiative aligns with broader infrastructure development plans, which are set to extend until 2040.
The installation of road sign posts is part of a larger project funded by USMAID and the World Bank, which includes road construction and the renovation of Rukungiri Central Market.
The mayor announced that work on these projects is expected to begin in August, with contracts already signed.
The installation of road sign posts in Rukungiri Municipality is a vital step towards enhancing navigation, safety, and community development and the collaboration among local leaders and the community will be crucial for the success of this initiative, paving the way for a more organized and accessible urban environment.
