Written By |
A section at Katete bridge that caved-in, calling for closure by Mbarara city authorities. Photo by Stuart Twinomujuni -Torch Media Africa.
Search
Mbarara city leaders are succumbing to pressure from city dwellers after a section of Katete bridge caved in, paralyzing movement of people on vehicles.
The bridge, temporary in nature, is made of metal pillars, timber, and metal plates, and has undergone several repairs, a thing that has sparked frustration.
Established in 1999, the bridge links over five suburbs of the city to the Mbarara city business center and is an alternative route to Isingiro district main trunk road.
The bridge, which has turned out to be life threatening, called for a temporary closure by city leaders on Tuesday morning as continued use could risk claiming lives of road users.
“I have personally as the city speaker decided to close this bridge for vehicles. No car should use the bridge for now until further notice. Said Bonny Tashobya Karutsya, Mbarara city speaker
Tashobya who is also the area councilor said the area Members of Parliament have not done much to advocate for the quick intervention from the ministry of works and UNRA to work on the bridge because it is not in their capacity and budget line as a city to have it worked on.
Assy Abireebe, the Mbarara City town clerk, admits that the Katete bridge poses a life threat to its users.
In a letter dated 6th May 2024, Abireebe instructed the Mbarara City senior law enforcement officer to make necessary arrangements with the DPC to have enough security personnel deployed on both sides of the bridge to ensure implementation of closure which had since not taken effect until Tuesday morning.
Mbarara city law enforcement officers staging roadblocks at Katete bridge on Tuesday. Photo by Stuart Twinomujuni - Torch Media Africa.
He noted that plans are underway to have the bridge rehabilitated, probably early next financial year.
When contacted, Robert Mugabe Kakyebezi, the Mbarara City mayor confirmed the closure of the bridge saying this was done for the safety of the people as the city authorities wait for the funds from the Ministry of Finance, planning and economic development.
However, the bridge is still open for use to Pedestrians and Motorcycles with the prohibition of cars.
Kakyebezi revealed that he personally met the Minister for works and transport Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala on the same issue and he promised to have it fixed soon as it is under the central government.
He encouraged the people to be patient and opt for Nyamitanga route as the authorities devise means to have the bridge issue solved.
