The Fort Portal Central Division authorities have initiated a quick rehabilitation of several maram roads across the division in anticipation of the upcoming heavy rains. This move aims to prevent key transit routes from becoming impassable. According to the Central Division Secretary for Works, Bernard Ategeka, the intervention is crucial to ensure business continuity and smooth movements of school-going children and the general public.
The grading and compacting of critical maram road networks are already underway, targeting vulnerable community access routes leading to the city center. This effort is focused on ensuring proper drainage and smooth surfaces so that economic activities in the Central Division do not grind to a halt. The authorities have prioritized maram roads now because once the heavy rains start, grading becomes impossible and people suffer.
While major tarmac road projects funded under the Uganda Cities and Municipalities Infrastructure Development (UCMID) program and presidential directive are undergoing final procurement processing, the division has decided to act swiftly on the maram roads. Paperwork, procurement, and engineering reviews for the roads under UCMID and the Presidential directive are being finalized, and physical works will commence as soon as possible.
The roads slated for tarmacking under the UCMID program include the Rwengoma road network, Buhinga-Bukwali-Kitahuruzo-Kitumba road, and Maguru-Itara-Harubaho road. Additionally, the Kabundaire-Kagote-Kibimba-Saaka road and Fort Portal Bundibugyo roads are being worked upon following a presidential directive. These projects aim to provide a permanent solution to the city's dust and mud crises.
Local residents, including boda-boda riders, have welcomed the temporary maram fixes. However, they have urged the leaders to expedite the promised tarmac upgrades. Maxim Ahairwe, a boda-boda rider, emphasized the need for a permanent solution to the city's road challenges. The community is eagerly awaiting the completion of these projects to improve their daily commute and economic activities.
The Fort Portal Central Division leadership's proactive approach to road maintenance is seen as a positive step towards mitigating the impact of the anticipated heavy rains. By grading and compacting critical maram road networks, the authorities aim to ensure that essential services and economic activities continue uninterrupted. The community is hopeful that these efforts will yield significant benefits in the short and long term.
As the projects progress, residents will be closely monitoring the implementation and impact of these road rehabilitation efforts. The Fort Portal Central Division leadership's initiative demonstrates a commitment to improving the city's infrastructure and addressing the concerns of the local community. The success of these projects will depend on effective project management and timely completion.
Key points
- The Fort Portal Central Division authorities have launched a quick rehabilitation of several maram roads ahead of the anticipated heavy rains.
- The intervention aims to prevent key transit routes from becoming impassable and ensure business continuity.
- Major tarmac road projects funded under the UCMID program and presidential directive are undergoing final procurement processing.
