Flooded bridge disrupts Lira-Apac transport

By Hudson Apunyo

LIRA – Recent torrential rains have severely interrupted transport on the Lira-Apac and Lira-Pader-Kitgum roads in northern Uganda.

The last two days have seen the Anai swamp – some 2km from Lira town – flooded and as a result forcing commuters to divert to Boroboro Akalo road.

Some vehicles have gotten stuck due to loose soils.

The most affected are vendors who use the Apac road every day as fast-flowing waters kept them from using the flooded bridge late Tuesday.

Okello Ben, a resident of Rainbow village, Aduku road told New Vision the bad brutal weather forced his visitor to stay at his home for the night.

The floods have come in the way of both motorists and pedestrians plying the affected routes.

Another resident of Anai who works at the Lira Municipal Council said he failed to make it back to his home due to the floods.
 

true
 

true

true
 

true

It is understood there have been ongoing projects for the maintenance of the road, including reshaping and re-gravelling along selected sections to give the road a suitable curvature and adequate side drains.

The road from Rwenkunye-Apac-Lira-Kitgum-Musingo (350 km) has been long overdue for tarmacking yet was still missed on this year’s financial budget.

Uganda National Road Authority (UNRA) station engineer of Lira, Samuel Muhoozi, said the place is low-lying and because of its swampy nature, it is susceptible to flooding during heavy rains.

He talked of a plan in offing after the water had gone down.

“We shall install new culverts and raise road level so that there is no flood problem,” he told New Vision on phone.