BY JOACKIM KULE MUHESI
A section of local leaders in Kasese has appealed to the Central Government and well-wishers to support the district’s efforts towards addressing the challenge of river drowning that has become common and subsequently claimed the lives of some people.
The leaders sounded the appeal today afternoon during an official handover of a cable bridge that connects Bikone to Nyakabugha cells in Ibanda – Kyanya Town Council, Busongora County North.
Erected across river Mubuku, the bridge was constructed by Engineers without Borders East Africa to help the people get access to health centers, schools and other opportunities.
Mr. Eliphaz Muhindi Bukombi, the Kasese District Chairperson explained that the district has seven major rivers that are disastrous to the people’s lives that cross them to the either sides.
Muhindi noted that rivers including Mubuku, Sebwe, Lhubiriha, Nyamwamba, Nyamughasana, Rwimi, among others do not have gazatted crossing points, an act that influences people to cross directly through the waters and eventually drown in the due course.
The Ibanda-Kyanya Town Council Chairperson, Mr. Modesto Bwambale Kanekerya told the gathering that he had witnessed more than 30 people lose their lives to drowning in the area.
The Executive Director for Engineers without Borders East Africa, Mr. Peter Nzabanita, assured the district leadership that they would also lobby for funds geared towards helping other communities.
He appealed to the people to utilize and care for the constructed bridge so that it lasts long while serving the purpose for which it was put in place.
In his remarks, the Chief Guest, Eng. Dr. Patrick Musongoza, the Senior Presidential Advisor in-charge of Infrastructure and Public Works pledged that he would inform the president about the challenges that the district was facing.
ENDS