We are on our own, Zombo locals say as they fixed major roads and bridges

The practice of locals picking up tools and mobilizing resources locally to fix infrastructure like roads and footbridges is becoming a common practice in Zombo. #WhisperEyeNews

Just over the weekend, locals finished work after a month of extensive endeavours that involved fixing a major footbridge and road that connects the two lower local governments of Paidha town and Abanga Sub-county.

Every Wednesday and Saturday weekly, Youth would commit themselves using rudimentary tools to dismantle some of the rocky paths and levelling of deep gullies whilst others are looking for logs to fix the footbridge.

Kumakech Innocent, a resident of Thende Village Oturgang ward Paidha Town Council explained that “This major access road was full of big stones and gullies and it’s against this backdrop that we picked up tools as locals here to work on this road and fix that footbridge, it’s the only access road to Paidha town council, we started raising concerns about this road in 2020 but no one came to our rescue. we are on our here”

Pius Oyirwoth, a resident of Jupanyondo cell Oturgang ward said ” This road became impassable in 2020, elder persons, learners and women suffer here the most, we were left here to suffer as if we are not Ugandans, the only solution was to pick up our tools and fix it”

Otingcwinyu Godwin from the same area explained that ” in 2021, Town Council came and dropped that big culvert you’re seeing down that valley, They deceived us they were going to use it to fix that footbridge but up to now, no one came, very soon thieves will start dismantling it for metal scrap”.

A community who worked on the road said no one came to commend them for the work they undertook for one full month with no food or water.

They added that the little resources they would ask from Pedestrians and wellwishers to support their effort usually attracted insults and abuse from some locals who always accused them of theft.

The Arutha_Adolu_Ayuda road including a footbridge on river Adolu that broke down connects the two lower local governments of Paidha and Abanga and is a shortcut route between the two areas. It’s commonly used by farmers, boda boda riders and Students crossing to either side.

The locals have appealed to the district Leadership to take over the road that plays a pivotal role to the business community, farmers and learners since the two lower local governments of Paidha town council and Abanga have failed to maintain the busy road for years.

The bridge breakdown crisis has hit Zombo District hard, currently, over 10 major footbridges has broken down stirring feeling of anxiety amongst locals.

The LCV chairperson of Zombo district James Oruna Oyullu said consideration is in place to take over the road though no submission has been formally made to the district.

Recently, The RDC of Zombo Rtd.Lt Col Pius Alitema encourages the community in Zombo to assist the government in whatever way they can given their stride is within the confines of the law.

Other roads and bridges fixed by the community recently.

The Nyagak bridge connects Paidha Town Council and Nyapea Sub County, the Fada footbridge connects Zombo Town Council and Warr Sub County, Leda footbridge connects Athuma and Abanga Sub-county, The Okeyo _Leda Road that connects Abanga and Athuma Sub-county, Amongst others.

Recently the Deputy Dean of the Association of LC3 Chairpersons in Zombo James Cekecan says most lower local governments are struggling to due to insufficient road funds.