Lira district has received a brand new vehicle to monitor cases of COVID-19 as the number of cases soars in the Lira City and the district.

Haji Bategana Bakole Sadiq, the RDC of Lira said one of the impediments to surveillance of COVID-19 in the district has been transport.

While handing over the vehicle to the DHO, he said the vehicle should be strictly used for the work of COVID-19 surveillance.

He warned the drivers who will be using the vehicle to desist from excitement as it is always when they get new vehicles.

“Don’t exceed certain limits when driving this vehicle or else you will be penalized,” Bategana said.

Lira RDC Bakale Sadiq flanked by his deputy James Chemutai (L), district chairperson Richard Okello (2L) and other officials handing over the key to new vehicle to DHO Buchan Ocen (4L) at the district offices

Richard Okello, the chairperson of Lira district called on the district technical team to help salvage the numerous vehicles of the district parked in garages with minor faults

He said some of the numerous vehicles have simple problems like faults with the brake system, radiators.

Okello said a budget was made with the COVID-19 fund to repair the vehicles but wondered where the money went.

“We have not seen the result of the money got to repair the vehicles,” he said.

Okello called on the technical officers to make sure they repair all the vehicles by the end of the year.

Denis Otim Otto, the transport officer for Lira district who represented the CAO said the vehicle is to be used strictly for fighting COVID -19 and other epidemics.

A source noted that the district chairperson talked bitterly because he wanted to take the vehicle but conditions attached to it could not allow him.

The source says the chairperson has so far spoiled two vehicles since he entered office.