Pedestrians at risk
EDITOR: I have been in this country for two years now and have been reading about the deteriorating condition of the roads and sanitation in Kampala.
EDITOR: I have been in this country for two years now and have been reading about the deteriorating condition of the roads and sanitation in Kampala.
A lot of publicity has been given about potholes on the roads and the insecurity they create. However, there has been no coverage of a greater danger facing pedestrians on Kampala roads.
No Government, city council, media, NGOs or diplomats have mentioned this pathetic situation on the roads. In fact many people have made the condition worse by building fences and gardens right up to the roads, thereby endangering the lives of people.
I am of course referring to hundreds of people who do not have the facility of footpaths and have to walk on the roads of Kampala, avoiding boda-bodas, cars, vans, lorries and buses. They are risking their lives every day without anybody taking notice!
I admire their patience but I fear for their safety. Many drivers would rather avoid potholes and drive towards pedestrians! Many commercial properties have built parking areas right up to the edge of the roads further causing danger to pedestrians.
I guess the reason no room has been left for pedestrians is the fear these footpaths might be taken over by boda-bodas. I wonder whether that is a vote winner for the mayoral and parliamentary elections.
M. Mohammed
Kampala
A lot of publicity has been given about potholes on the roads and the insecurity they create. However, there has been no coverage of a greater danger facing pedestrians on Kampala roads.
No Government, city council, media, NGOs or diplomats have mentioned this pathetic situation on the roads. In fact many people have made the condition worse by building fences and gardens right up to the roads, thereby endangering the lives of people.
I am of course referring to hundreds of people who do not have the facility of footpaths and have to walk on the roads of Kampala, avoiding boda-bodas, cars, vans, lorries and buses. They are risking their lives every day without anybody taking notice!
I admire their patience but I fear for their safety. Many drivers would rather avoid potholes and drive towards pedestrians! Many commercial properties have built parking areas right up to the edge of the roads further causing danger to pedestrians.
I guess the reason no room has been left for pedestrians is the fear these footpaths might be taken over by boda-bodas. I wonder whether that is a vote winner for the mayoral and parliamentary elections.
M. Mohammed
Kampala