Floating island cuts off Moyo from Adjumani

CLIMATE CHANGE  WEATHER

ADJUMANI - A floating island on Albert Nile has cut off Moyo from Adjumani district, grounding ferry services between Omi & Laropi landing sites. 

Cargo and emergency transport is being diverted to Adjumani from Moyo through Obongi district. 

The floating island has dealt a huge blow to the already crippled public transport. It should be recalled that public transport was banned by government in a bid to combat the COVID-19.

Adjumani Resident District Commissioner Taban Peter, on Thursday, said the government was mobilizing to clear the island. However, he was unable to ascertain when the situation will normalize. 

"It's the water weed that has blocked Laropi landing site. The ferry can't move. We advise emergency and Cargo vehicles to use Obongi road to connect between Adjumani and Moyo." Taban said.

A local fisherman who preferred anonymity said they spotted the island drifting towards the ferry line almost four days before it blocking the landing site.

"We informed the ferry operators about the floating island but they didn't respond in time," the Fisherman said.

Williams Anyama, Moyo district chairman said he was in touch with officials from Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA). "They are mobilizing an excavator to clear the blockage," Anyama revealed.

"We are waiting for the excavator which is currently in Obongi, once it's here the passage will be cleared," Anyama said.

The incident has rejuvenated a long-standing demand for a bridge which the locals and leaders in the Ma'di sub-region believe is a long-time solution.

"The government should think of constructing a bridge on this part of the river rather than using a ferry which requires time to time maintenance.