Moroto- Akism road nears completion

INFRASTRUCTURE

MOROTO- Outcries levelled against government on the poor state of roads in Karamoja will soon be history as road construction of Moroto - Akisim road nears completion.

Potholes and gullies were common features on the road during the time of armed conflict and cattle rustling in the region. Now with the newly constructed road, they will be smiles on the faces of road users.

Some of the businessmen who use the route frequently describe the road as a milestone in the development of Karamoja.

 Road engineers along the Moroto---Akisim-road

Kalisito Iriama, a Moroto district councillor says the  newly constructed  road is a relief to those who use it on a daily basis.

"It is a dream come true," he noted adding that travel time to Karamoja will also reduce.

Iriama said in the recent past we would take six hours to get to Soroti but with the new road the time has reduced to three hours.

A truck owner Samuel Okwerede, who  uses the  Moroto - Soroti road on a weekly basis said with the newly constructed road, "We shall be able to cut down fuel costs and repairs of vehicles."

"We could spend couple of days stuck during the wet season," Okwerede said.

The Uganda National Roads Authority , Eng. Geoffrey Bihemaiso, manager in-charge road development congratulated Napak district local government for the support.

He said the road section between Kangole and Matany will be ready by Christmas time.

"And by Easter time, the road will be ready up to Lorengechora town council where it comes to a halt," Bihemaiso noted.

The remarks were made during the inspection of the sh248b Akisim - Moroto road that is entirely located in Napak district.

Workers erect a hump to slow down fast moving cars along Moroto--Akisim-road

The deputy chief administrative officer, Napak district,  Mark Namuya said poor drainage, heavy rains worsened the road.

He said the road shoulders were cut off forming numerous gullies and pot-holes which were visible along the road.

"I am happy we now have a good road for the region," Namuya said.

He commended government for the huge investments in Karamoja urging the communities to embrace development.

The Resident Eng.  Bernard Nelson Ocan in-charge Akisim - Moroto road project said the road had outlived its designed life.

He said government was upgrading Soroti - Moroto road from gravel to paved (bitumen) standard.