Bufumbira North MP Criticizes Gov’t’s Approach to Bridge Maintenance than Preventing Tragedies

KISORO – The Member of Parliament for Bufumbira North, Honorable John Kamara Nizeyimana has expressed concern about the government’s reactive approach to bridge maintenance other than responding swiftly to save lives when calamities hit.

His comments followed the release of 600 million shillings allocated for the reconstruction of the Kanyamateke Box Culvert Bridge in Busanza Sub County, which was recently vandalized, connecting Buhozi parish to Nyabwishenya and Kirundo sub-counties.

Kamara pointed out that the funds for the Kanyamateke Bridge had been included in the budget multiple times before but were consistently diverted to other bridge projects. He acknowledged the recent release of funds but emphasized that it may not be sufficient to address the full scope of the project.

CUE IN KAMARA…..ON KANYAMATEKE……..RR//

District engineer Karamira James provided additional insight, revealing that the government had allocated only 600 million shillings out of the required 2.5 billion shillings for the Kanyamateke Bridge. Kamara drew attention to a previous incident involving the destruction of Kaku Bridge on Busanza Road in 2018, allegedly by LC3 chairperson Muntuki Didas and others. He claimed that funds meant for another project, Kagandi Bridge, were redirected to reconstruct Kaku Bridge.

According to UNRA’s report on completed bridges, the emergency Design and Build of Kagandi Bridge on Kagandi Natete-Busanza-Mpaka Road was successfully completed in 2020. Kamara disputed the existence of a Kagandi Bridge in Kisoro, asserting that the funds were diverted from a different project to address the issues with Kaku Bridge.

CUE IN KAMARA…..ON BUSANZA BRIDGE…….RR//

Honorable Kamara urged the community to remain patient as the district formulated plans to address impassable roads due to persistent rain. He emphasized the challenges faced by tractors in working during heavy rainfall and discussed the district’s receipt of over 500 million shillings from the Ministry of Works and Transport for road maintenance.

CUE IN KAMARA JOHN…..ON ROADS……RR//

During a brief discussion with the MP and Chief Administrative Officer Badru Mayanja, District Engineer Karamira James highlighted the district’s comprehensive plan to guide all road maintenance efforts, giving priority to busy roads.

These developments underscore the ongoing challenges in infrastructure maintenance and funding allocation, prompting calls for a more proactive approach to prevent the deterioration of vital transportation links.