Business owners along Muhumuza road/Kigezi Diary Street in Kabale municipality are facing significant challenges due to the persistent poor drainage system in the area. Despite repeated appeals to the Kabale Municipal Council over the past two years, the issue remains unresolved, resulting in detrimental consequences for local businesses.
According to frustrated business owners, including Kiconco Bwesigye and Watson Mwesigwa, as well as others who chose to remain anonymous, the inadequate drainage infrastructure has led to the accumulation of stagnant, dirty water on the roads. This flooding not only obstructs traffic but also hampers customers’ access to their shops and establishments. As a result, sales have plummeted, exacerbating the economic strain on the affected businesses.
“The situation has become unbearable, especially during the rainy season,” lamented one of the affected business owners. “Customers simply cannot reach our shops due to the flooded roads. We have raised our concerns with the municipal authorities countless times, but it seems our pleas have fallen on deaf ears.”
In response to the outcry, Kabale Municipality Town Clerk, Justine Barekye, acknowledged the severity of the problem. She assured the affected business owners that funds have been secured to address the drainage issues promptly. Barekye pledged that the drainage system would be revamped within the next two weeks, providing much-needed relief to the beleaguered business community.
However, this is not the first time Kabale municipality has grappled with drainage-related challenges. Over the years, the area has been plagued by inadequate infrastructure, particularly during the rainy seasons, leading to recurrent flooding and disruptions.
As businesses eagerly await the promised intervention, the looming question remains whether the proposed measures will be sufficient to mitigate the longstanding drainage woes and safeguard the economic interests of Kabale’s entrepreneurial ventures.
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