Tendering for emergency needed

By Patson Baraire

The Kinkizi east Member of Parliament Dr. Chris Baryomunsi has said the Parliament will put in place a new policy to cater for procurement of services that need emergency attention to relieve the local people of hardships.

Baryomunsi said this recently while clarifying to Kanungu district local government council why Mitano bridge, at the border between Rukungiri and Kanungu districts, has not been repaired a year after it collapsed.

He said that the Government, through Uganda National Roads Authority, is in the final process of procuring a contractor who will undertake the civil works at Mitano Bridge starting on June 1.

The MP’s remarks followed reports that some people were planning a demonstration against the delayed repair of the bridge.

Baryomunsi said every one is concerned about the hardships the communities face, such as using a longer alternative route, but there was need for patience.

“We are all aggrieved, especially those of us who have to cross the river every time we need to travel but I appeal for patience so that the Government can be given an opportunity to complete the procurement exercise without interference,” Baryomunsi said.

“The bridge could have been repaired by now, but the bureaucracy in government procurement has slowed down the process but we are sure that the construction will soon start,” he said.

Mitano Bridge, which connects Kanungu to Rukungiri district and beyond, collapsed last year under the weight of a trailer carrying cement destined for Democratic Republic of Congo.