Residents of Ntungamo have expressed joy after the district approved the construction of the Akabare Bridge, a project that has been a serious challenge to communities of Rweikiniro and Ngoma since last year, when the bridge was damaged.
The bridge is a key link connecting Rweikiniro Sub-county in Ruhaama Main Constituency to Ngoma Sub-county in Rushenyi Constituency. Because of its poor condition, movement across the area has been difficult, affecting both livelihoods and daily life though some attempts were made by local residents to carry out temporary repairs, the situation remained risky and could not restore safe movement.
Speaking during the event, LC5 Chairperson Samuel Mucunguzi Rwakigoba Salongo said Ntungamo previously failed to utilize a transition grant, and the money was later taken back to the ministry. He reassured residents that the district is now determined to address the problem properly, emphasizing that the term aims at ending complacency, “sleeping,” and corruption. He noted that implementation must be followed up to ensure the community benefits from the planned work.
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Eng. Moses Atwine, the district engineer, explained the processes through which the bridge will be constructed to a standard that meets safety requirements. He assured residents that once procedures are completed, the work will be carried out to improve the crossing and ensure reliable access for all road users.
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Community leaders also highlighted the impact of the damaged bridge. Bitariho Sabastiano, LC3 Chairperson for Rweikiniro Sub-county, and Cyril Akatuhurira, LC2 Chairperson, said trade had been disrupted, making it hard to transport goods such as bananas to markets, including those in Rwanda. They further pointed out that children’s schooling was affected, especially those traveling to institutions in Keyenje, Rweikiniro Sub-county.
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Speaking as well, RDC Ntungamo Miriam Kagaiga said it is unacceptable to be left behind when development funds are already available. She added that when money fails to be allocated, it is returned to the ministry and replanned for the next financial year.
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The project is expected to be implemented by district engineers within two months, with an estimated cost of 200 million shillings.
