Residents of Kisoro district are raising concerns over the dilapidated condition of the Kanyamateke Bridge, situated in Gikoro Village and serving as a vital link between Busanza and Kirundo Sub County. The bridge, which has suffered serious damage for the past two years due to an act of burning, now remains partially functional, posing risks to pedestrians and cyclists who continue to use it despite its precarious state.
Local residents, including Jack Gakiza, Moses Nzeyimana, and several farmers, lament the difficulties they face in transporting agricultural produce to nearby markets. With most bridges in the area inaccessible to vehicles and motorcycles carrying heavy loads, the transportation of goods has become increasingly challenging.
Gerald Bayisabe, a boda boda rider, expressed concerns about the safety of crossing the bridge, noting incidents where colleagues have fallen off and lost their lives. He emphasized the need for assistance when carrying heavy loads across the bridge.
George Ndayambagye, Chairman of LC1 Gikoro Village, criticized the government for neglecting the reconstruction of the bridge, resulting in economic stagnation and hindrances to transportation for years. He highlighted the plight of sick and pregnant women who struggle to access health services at Buhoozi Health Centre 3 in Buhoozi Parish due to difficulties posed by the bridge.
In response to the outcry from residents while commissioning the construction of this Bridge, Hon. Sarah Matake, the State Minister for Defense and Veteran Affairs and Woman MP for Kisoro District, acknowledged the tragic toll of the bridge’s poor condition, with ten reported deaths . She assured the public that the government is taking action to address the issue, emphasizing the significance of the bridge not only for agricultural purposes but also for security, as it connects three sub-counties.
“We have lost many people on this Kanyamateke Bridge, especially those who come not knowing that the bridge has a problem. We tried closing it, but people still think it’s a shortcut, and with that, we have lost more than 10 people on this bridge.” – Minister Sarah
The construction contract for the Kanyamateke Bridge was awarded to Geses Uganda Limited. According to Eng. Peter Nkurunungyi, the company’s director, the construction is expected to take 12 months at a cost of approximately 2.1 billion Ugandan Shillings. Nkurunungyi called for cooperation between locals and local leaders to ensure the timely completion of quality work on the bridge.
As construction commences, residents remain hopeful for the swift reconstruction of the Kanyamateke Bridge, anticipating improved accessibility and safety for all who depend on it for their daily activities and livelihoods.
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