Construction of the Shs95.67 million Ruhorobo Bridge has begun in Ntungamo District, promising to reconnect Rwoho and Nyakyera town councils after floodwater destroyed the previous crossing and disrupted access to markets, schools and health facilities.
Residents of Rwoho and Nyakyera town councils in Ntungamo District are hopeful of improved transport and access to essential services following the start of construction of the Shs95.67 million Ruhorobo Bridge.
The project is expected to take about two months and will reconnect the two town councils, restoring movement for residents who have struggled to transport agricultural produce, reach markets and access health and education services since runoff from surrounding hills destroyed the previous crossing.
District Roads Engineer Moses Twiine said the construction would follow technical guidance from the Ministry of Works and Transport to ensure the bridge meets the required standards.
“We had preliminary assessments conducted to determine a suitable design capable of withstanding the water flow that previously destroyed the crossing,” Twiine said.
Ntungamo District Chairperson Samuel Muchunguzi said the new structure would incorporate a two-metre metallic pipe to improve drainage and reduce the risk of damage during heavy rains.
He said the bridge was expected to last between 20 and 30 years if properly constructed and maintained, adding that it would be designed to accommodate heavy trucks.
“Improved crossing will strengthen connectivity between the two town councils, ease transportation of goods and agricultural produce, and improve residents' access to markets and other public services,” Muchunguzi said.
Ruhaama East MP Moses Kahima Mugabe, who also chairs the Ntungamo District Roads Committee, attributed the destruction of the previous crossing to heavy runoff from the surrounding hills.
He said deforestation had worsened the situation, as tree cutting had increased the volume of water flowing into valleys, widening the channel and damaging the road.
Mugabe urged district leaders to closely supervise the construction to ensure accountability, quality and value for money.
“As district leaders you should work closely and monitor the construction works to ensure accountability, value for money, quality delivery and a lasting bridge,” he said.
Residents welcomed the project, saying the damaged crossing had disrupted their movements, hindered the transportation of goods and made access to essential services more difficult.
Meanwhile, district leaders also monitored maintenance works on the 13-kilometre Katinda–Kagarama road, which runs through Nyabushenyi and Nyabihoko sub-counties.
The Shs97.62 million project includes bush clearing, grading, gravelling and spot murraming to improve the road's condition and accessibility.
The maintenance works are expected to ease transportation for residents, particularly farmers moving produce to markets and communities travelling to access essential services.