Works on Aswa Bridge to start in two weeks - Kagina

The executive director, Uganda National Roads Authority, Allen Kagina, has assured the people of Lango and Acholi that the construction of Aswa Bridge that broke down three months ago will commence soon.

Aswa Bridge which is a critical junction connecting the people of Gulu, Kitgum and Lango collapsed three months ago when a trailer loaded with cement was crossing over it.

Kagina who led a team of engineers from UNRA to inspect the state of the collapsed Aswa Bridge on said the procurement process for the reconstruction of Aswa Bridge would be expedited under emergency arrangement and the contractor sent in two weeks' time to kick start the work.

"When you do an emergency procurement you don't follow the normal procedure, so very soon you will see the contractor here, but I want to appreciate residents and people who use this road for their patience," she said.

She noted that a temporary bridge would be constructed to ease pedestrian's movement in the area; adding that in the meantime, UNRA would deploy a motor boat to help people cross the river from either side at no cost.

She said the restructuring that has been taking place in UNRA was responsible for the delay of the bridge construction since it collapsed in October last year.

Kagina emphasized that UNRA will tighten the noose on contractors who signs for works, but fail to complete them because of their own incompetency. She said some of the contractors will have their contracts terminated if they are found to be incompetent.

Lira Resident District Commissioner Emmanuel Mwaka Lutukumoi said the collapse of Aswa Bridge interfered with business between Lango and Acholi regions.

He said vehicles have to move long distance through Otuke districts in order to reach Kitgum which in essence is costly.

"It is my humble prayer on behalf of these people here that government takes this seriously and have a contractor sent without delay," he said.

Meanwhile Resident District Commissioners from Lango sub region listed before Kagina roads in poor state that needs rehabilitation.

In a statement made on behalf of RDCs by Ogwang Odyero, the Amolatar RDC said roads like Masindi Port-Apac to Kitgum, Lira-Otuke-Kotido then Aboke to Bobi in Gulu needed immediate tarmacking.