UNRA opts for temporary jetty for Pakwach bridge connectivity

The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) has announced plans to install a temporary jetty bridge to address the deteriorating condition of the Pakwach Bridge.

This comes as the agency grapples with the pressing issue of an aged and fatigued structure that threatens to hamper vital connections between West Nile and the rest of Uganda, as well as neighboring countries.

Allan Ssempebwa, UNRA Spokesperson reaffirmed UNRA's plans for a temporary jetty bridge to facilitate all forms of traffic as safety of travelers and the flow of goods are at stake.

"The temporary jetty is only coming in as a short term measure to cross all nature of traffic. This implies we will move to restrict traffic on the bridge given its condition. Just like we did at Katonga, where we have a steel temporary bridge crossing travelers," Ssempebwa said.

He  emphasized the importance of timely intervention before a disaster occurs.

"We have already observed visible signs of damage, wrinkling, stress, and fatigue in the structure. The government  has recognized this as a matter of national importance given its connectivity benefits within Uganda and to its neighbouring countries and has planned for the construction of a new bridge at Pakwach as a long-term solution," he said.

Originally constructed in the 1960s, the Pakwach Bridge has become increasingly dangerous with visible signs of damage, stress, and fatigue prompting urgent action.

The bridge has faced ongoing challenges from invasive water weed, which has blocked the flow of the river and caused flooding, disrupting traffic and affecting the transport of goods.

Frequent dredging has been necessary to keep the bridge navigable, but the situation remains critical, with more vegetation threatening to exacerbate the problem.

While the temporary jetty bridge will provide immediate relief, UNRA is concurrently initiating the procurement process for a permanent long-span bridge with documents being prepared.

" This long-term solution aims to restore stability and reliability to the critical route, with funding for the new bridge prioritized as a matter of national importance," Ssempebwa said.

In late May 2024, a thick floating island measuring over 07 acres blocked two and a half spans of the Bridge, leaving only half a bridge span operational.

This obstruction caused a significant increase in water flow beneath the bridge, especially through the half span that was not covered by the island necessitating an urgent dredging operation to protect the bridge's structural integrity.

As work on the temporary jetty bridge is yet to commence, the focus remains on ensuring that connectivity between West Nile and the rest of Uganda is maintained while paving the way for a more durable solution.