MINISTER BYAMUKAMA GIVES UNRA 4 DAY ULTIMATUM TO REPAIR KISORO ROADS

By Ambrose Kweronda

www.mknewslink.com

In Kisoro—

The state minister of works and transport Fred Byamukama has given Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) a four days ultimatum to start repairing roads in Kisoro district.

Minister Byamukama made the directive yesterday during his visit in Kisoro district to assess the different government programs in the district.

His directive followed complaints from district leaders that UNRA has abandoned its roads in the district rendering them inaccessible.

Both the Kisoro district RDC Rtd. Capt. Peter Mugisha and Sarah Mateke told the minister Byamukama that most of the roads in the district are inaccessible due to landslides hence hindering movement of goods and services.

Minister Byamukama touring Kisoro district

Minister Mateke requested ministry of works and transport to give special consideration to Kisoro district due to its terrain nature.

She also requested a quick intervention over Kanyamateke Bridge in Busanza Sub County saying that it is in a sorry state and puts the lives of people at risks.

She reminded Minister Byamukama that tourism roads and Kanyamateke Bridge were put in NRM manifesto since 2011 but they have never worked on them.

The Kisoro district NRM vice chairperson, Ramadan Ndikuyeze told Minister Byamukama that delaying to work on presidential pledges such as roads is demoralizing residents who vehemently vote NRM party.

He noted that residents in Kisoro need a return in terms of social services as a way of rewarding them for supporting NRM government.

The district engineer, James Karamira told the minister that Kisoro district received only 48 million shillings in this quarter to maintain roads saying it is little money to do all the works.

The complaints from district leaders about UNRA abandoning roads in the district angered minister Byamukama Fred hence ordering officials from UNRA who were present to start repairing road networks in Kisoro district.

He gave them four days ultimatum to have started repairing roads under their dockets in the district.

Minister Byamukama Fred also asked leaders from Kisoro district through Minister Sarah Mateke to arrange a program and meet him with other stakeholders in Kampala so that they can discuss on how they can increase road funds for Kisoro district.

Minister also promised that ministry of works and transport will repair Kanyamateke Bridge as soon as possible.