Karamoja districts paralysed by heavy rains
Jun 06, 2018
The route to Kotido from Moroto has been cut off at Lopei with residents offering to push vehicles at a fee
This is where Kangole Bridge stood before it was swept away last week. Photo by Olandason Wanyama
Most roads in Napak, Moroto and Nakapiripirit districts have been rendered unusable following torrential rains that have hit most parts of South Karamoja.
The unrelenting rains experienced for over 48 hours, have swept away most bridges after water levels rose.
Traffic to Mbale, Soroti and other parts of the country has been paralysed with most passengers rescheduling their journeys since Monday.
Some of the affected routes to Karamoja include Moroto-Soroti road which has been cut off at Kangole trading centre. The bridge has now been swept away for the fourth time since the onset of rains in mid-March.
Also affected are access routes to Moroto via Lorengedwat at Lotome after River Omani man has burst its banks.
The route to Kotido from Moroto has been cut off at Lopei with residents offering to push vehicles at a fee. A pickup truck is charged sh50,000 while small trucks (tippers) sh70,000.
John Lokol, one of those benefiting from the disruptions, says if the water swells then they will stop.
Men push a car at a fee at Lopei Bridge along Moroto-Kotido road in Napak district. Photo by Olandason Wanyama
"We are doing it because the water levels at our waist," he noted.
John Wanambwa, a fresh food trader plying Moroto-Mbale road, said in the past week they have incurred a lot losses in Nakapiripirit district.
"We are bringing in perishable goods but spending lots of time due to flooded sections of the road," he said.
Wanambwa blamed the Government for not acting faster in construction of roads and bridges.
"Just Imagine Namalu-Muyembe road has been in the budget for almost a decade," he noted.
Wanambwa added that nothing has been done yet this is the easiest gateway to Karamoja.
Meanwhile, Police has warned motorists to Karamoja against risking and driving through flooded areas.
The Mt Moroto Regional Police Commander, Richard Aruk Maruk, said with heavy rains in the region, more disasters are likely to occur and urged residents to report to Police issues that could affect their wellbeing.