Tororo's dilapidated Nyangole bridge finally up for rehabilitation

The Ministry of Works and Transport has kicked off construction of the Tororo-Kwapa-Butiru bridge that is believed to have been constructed during colonial days.

The bridge that is costing government over one billion shillings is situated across river Aturukuku in Tororo Municipality.

Its construction comes after parts of the bridge collapsing with the down pillows partially apart.

The wear and tear of the bridge was threatening locals lives, forcing many to abandon the road given the heavy traffic flow along the road.

Julius Oyat, a resident, told Nile Post that he has taken almost a year without passing via the road due it's status.

"I was almost falling inside the bridge with a customer one time. It was late and I was ridding back home from town when it had just rained. From that time, I have shifted my route," Oyat said.

According to a letter dated 16th of October 2023, the Ministry of Works and Transport earmarked the bridge construction in quarter four of the financial year 2022/23.

But this was delayed due to the failure by Municipal council to compensate the affected persons currently surviving around the bridge.

This as the municipal authority claims over Shs150 million was required to provide a bridge site free from any encumbrances to enable commencement of the bridge works.

"We needed close to Shs150 million to compensate the affected persons and for ministry's team to kick start the work, which money we didn't have," Mayor Kenneth Orono revealed.

But to kick start the bridge construction works, municipal council has so far secured over 20 million shillings to partly compensate affected persons to allow works begin.

As we speak, a team from ministry are already on ground doing geological survey on bridge before resuming construction.

Apollo Yeri Ofwono, municipality confirms that indeed the bridge was threatening lives and that its construction is timely.

"As a leader, have received number of complaint about the bridge and I thank God from finally we have resumed," Ofwono said.

The bridge in question does not only link residents of municipality to Bugisu but also connects to several service points like Tororo College and Tororo archdiocese offices, among others.