Arua: Residents remind government of pledge to construct Kia Kia bridge

NALWADDA NSANGI

Arua- Residents of Rigbo and Ewang sub counties in Arua have said that they have been abandoned by the government for more than 30 years after failing to construct a bridge that connects them to other parts of the district.

The residents say that almost impassable Kia-Kia swamp of about 8km has totally cut off many villages and the government has done nothing apart from making empty promises.

Adiabo Samauel, the LC III chairman for Ewang sub county said: "We have heard about the construction of this bridge over the years. So now we are saying we are Ugandans, we need this bridge badly."

Augustine Acedra, a resident said they have been marginalised for all these years.

"This bridge is even better than a district status for us. Imagine people from this side and the people of the other side are of the same blood but we can’t see each other," Acedra said.

President Museveni has in several public speeches during his visit to West Nile pledged to construct the Arua, Rigbo, Obongi Moyo road together with Kia-Kia Bridge.

The road connecting Packwach, Rhino Camp to Rigbo cutting across Ewang heading to Moyo district would ease mobility and save transport fees for those doing business in the neighbouring countries.

This is the shortest route from Kampala connecting South Sudan compared to one traveling to Arua and crossing to Adjumani using a ferry.

The residents find it hard to cross over to either side more so during the rainy season as flooding makes the swamp impassable.

This has stalled development in both sub counties when it comes to service delivery, the administrative and technical staff have no way to access the people they serve.

The area MP Ismail Ogama said they have constantly followed up the pledge [of constructing the road and bridge] but they have not been successful.