Africa-Press – Uganda. Residents of Bunyangabu and Kasese districts are all smiles after getting a new hanging footbridge on River Rwimi.
For the last more than 50 years, the residents have been using a dilapidated and risky wooden bridge.
Mr Samson Bagenda, a resident of Bwesumbu Sub-county in Kasese District, said during floods, the river would overflow the old bridge and sweep off those who dared to cross.
“Every year, we have been losing at least three people who have been drowning in the river during flooding. But we are now very happy to see our areas connected because we will now be accessing markets freely,” he said.
The new bridge connects the two sub-counties of Kabonero and Bwesumbu, which border the two districts and have markets, health facilities and schools.
Ms Jane Muhindo, a farmer, said previously they have faced a challenge of accessing markets in the two districts.
“We have buried many people because of this bridge, but this time we thank the government for considering us and giving us a new bridge. Now we shall resume selling our produce across the districts,” she said.
Mr John Kyaligonza, the Kabonero Sub-county chairperson, said the bridge will boost the weekly market of Kyamukube in Bunyangabu.
“Many people could not cross this bridge from Kasese to our district because it was a death trap,” Mr Kyaligonza said.
The Shs123 million cable bridge was constructed by Bridges to Prosperity, a non-governmental organisation, in partnership with the Ministry of Works and Transport. It can accommodate pedestrians and motorcyclists and their goods.
It is the second one to be built in Kasese District after the Kyabanyezi suspended cable foot bridge.
The project manager at the Ministry of Works, Mr Andrew Dison Zirimenya, said the new bridge will last 30 years when maintained.
The suspension cable foot bridge is a 67 meter span.
